c Human Freedom and Equality

What is freedom? Some may say that it is just the ability to do

whatever you want. But is it more than that? We believe such is the
case, for freedom is inherent in the human condition. Our conception
of freedom is the fact that we¶re moral agents, not objects, since we
have the capacity to make moral judgment (reason). This capacity to
reason is what separates us from objects, and with that in mind such
an ability is what gives human beings intrinsic value, or µhuman
dignity¶. The general principle underlying this entire concept is one
of µuniversal human rights¶, or the idea that all human beings
(equally) are worthy of dignity and respect.

There is an apparent problem in the conventional concept of

freedom, or the idea that it is just the ability to do whatever you
want. Usually this concept is applied to the satisfaction of our
desires, but it¶s likely that those desires were ends determined
outside of us. It¶s not necessarily wrong to do this, but we aren¶t
acting freely when we¶re the means to ends conjured up by outside
influences, which Kant called µheteronomy¶. By contrast, we are
autonomous beings, or we have the capability of choosing freely. This
is when we act as ends in ourselves, governed by decisions we make
ourselves; even though we may be governed somewhat by µnatural law¶,
in order for us to be free we must be sometimes independent of such at
the same time. This is what gives all human beings (equally) intrinsic
value.

There are some, such as empiricist philosophers, that do not

agree with this conception of freedom. David Hume called reason the
³slave of the passions´. What he meant by this was that reason to him
was purely µinstrumental¶, or it identified means for the pursuit of
certain ends. But, two points must be raised: 1.) If this were the
case, then we¶d be better off with instinct. But, we wouldn¶t be truly
free human beings because we¶d be acting like animals, whereas we¶d be
satisfying desires determined beyond our control, and 2.) These
certain ends were determined by outside influences, so individuals
would be acting under µheteronomy¶. But, we wouldn¶t be truly free
human beings because we wouldn¶t be acting under µautonomy¶, whereas
we¶re utilizing our capacity/freedom to reason.

Another concept of freedom, which µStudents for Equality¶ does

not endorse, is ³economic freedom´. This freedom is based upon a
foundation of inequality, whereas the amount of so-called ³freedom´
one has depends on how much money one possesses. Do you think a
homeless person sleeping under a bridge is there because he loves
sleeping outdoors, or is it because he has no other choice after he¶s
fallen behind? This leads some to buy another yacht and some to be
unable to support their basic needs. ³From each according to his
ability, to each according to his need´ is now recognized as a
fundamentally reasonable idea. And, such an idea of ³freedom´ is
morally arbitrary; for those to say that these actors in a market
³deserve´ the µfruits of their labor¶ is flawed, for such was likely
made from accident of birth and natural talents. It also likely came
out of what society wanted at the time (supply and demand); if a talk
show host gets paid more than a school teacher, it is because society
puts the former on a pedestal of virtue and high regard. These factors
were determined outside of us, so they do not make us truly free.
Basing µwho deserves what¶ on arbitrary virtues serves inequality, for
some individuals get valued over others in society.

Why must we preserve human freedom? For one thing, it better fits
with equality. Without recognizing the intrinsic value of individuals,
there would be oppression (which is based upon inequality as there is
a struggle between the µoppressor¶ and the µoppressed¶) and alienation
(human beings would not have their rights respected if we did not
respect universal human rights, the basis for those other rights).
Kant¶s concept of equality is what us students call µtrue freedom¶-
for it recognizes all human beings (equally) as autonomous moral
agents. Unlike empiricism or ³economic freedom´, this ideal recognizes
autonomy and equality. As the intrinsic value of all individuals is
what must be respected equally to preserve freedom, this youth
movement must support it. Call this ignorance, but this µcall to
action¶ must be recognized with regard if we want to strengthen the
message of µStudents for Equality¶.

ADAM TOMASI

DIRECTOR OF MEDIA for µStudents for Equality¶