Introduction of Works Cited

Descartes says that the will or the freedom of choice is simply included in our capability to not to do or do something (1); or rather it is included simply in the fact that when something is put forward by intellect for denial or affirmation or for avoidance or pursuit, our inclinations are actually that we don’t feel we are pushed or determined by an external force (2) (Christofidou).

            The freedom which is portrayed by (1) is referred as the indifferent liberty whereas the freedom which is portrayed by (2) is referred as the liberty or freedom of spontaneity. Actually, it can be said that Descartes is explaining when it comes to an action which is preferred by the person himself, he believes that he has the freedom to perform it. Regardless of the external restrictions, the person seems to practice freedom by carrying out the action because that is what he wants. Meanwhile, when a person is not inclined to carry out the task, he shall view that his freedom doesn’t allow him to perform such an action. It means that the possibility of denial strongly present in the situations or actions which are not preferred by the person and it is the will of the person that determines the freedom. 

It is actually clear that the existence of freedom of humans was accepted by Descartes. Subsequent to the claim of Descartes that not God, and not us, are the ultimate source or reason of human error in the Meditation Four. An account of the activities of human will is provided by Descartes and just how it might be classified as free. Actually, Descartes creates an analogy between the human will and divine, emphasizing that it is more or less our will that is our flawless faculty because it permits us to bear the likeness and image of God.

            At present, freedom means more than just the capability of a person to do whatever he wants. In a literal way, anarchy would be produced by this approach. However, that is not how just every person is living. Freedom does mean the right of an individual to do just as one pleases – to believe, worship, speak, and think as one might choose but this goes on until the choices of a person begin to infringe on the freedom of another person. How we perceive freedom is something different from how Descartes perceived it and it can actually be understood in just how he explained that the will of human towards an action is what develops freedom for him. However, it doesn’t seem to go against that of just how the freedom is perceived at present. This concept of Descartes is merely explaining an additional aspect of the present freedom.

            If I were to choose from some specific options which are limited then I don’t think that I will be able to select freely. Even though the limitation of options will make it easier for me to choose. However, it is also important to consider that when I don’t have various options, I am unable to think beyond the options and I will certainly not be satisfied with it. On the other hand, when I have many options, I will feel more at freedom to choose whatever I want because all of the options are available and now, it is up to me to select what I need.