Freedom and Subjectivity: Making Ethical and Moral Decisions

Objectives

1. Understand the definition of freedom of choice and the subjectivity involved.

2. Explore the relationship between freedom, morality, and ethics in different contexts.

3. Reflect on practical examples of freedom of choice in everyday life.

4. Discuss how subjectivity influences ethical and moral decisions.

Contextualization

Freedom is a central concept in philosophy and everyday life. It is present in our daily decisions, from simple choices, such as what to wear, to complex decisions, such as which career to pursue. The subjectivity of freedom implies that each person may understand and experience freedom in different ways, based on their experiences, values, and social context. Understanding this subjectivity is crucial for making ethical and moral decisions that respect the diversity of perspectives. For example, in a company, professionals need to make decisions that consider both personal values and those of the organization, balancing individual freedom with ethical responsibilities.

Relevance of the Theme

Understanding the concepts of freedom and subjectivity is vital in today's world, where ethical decisions are increasingly complex and influenced by various cultural and social perspectives. These skills are essential not only in personal life but also in the job market, where the ability to make informed and ethical decisions is highly valued. In a globalized and interconnected world, knowing how to handle subjectivity and respect different viewpoints is a crucial skill for the development of conscious leaders and citizens.

Freedom

Freedom refers to the ability to make choices and act according to one's own will, without being restricted by external forces. In a philosophical context, freedom is a complex concept that may include aspects of autonomy, free will, and individual rights. It is fundamental for the formation of a democratic society and personal development.

• Freedom as personal autonomy: The ability to make independent decisions and follow one's own path.

• Freedom and responsibility: With freedom comes the responsibility to consider the consequences of our actions.

• Freedom and rights: The importance of guaranteeing equal rights for all so that everyone can exercise their freedom fully.

Subjectivity

Subjectivity refers to the way personal experiences, emotions, and individual perspectives influence the perception and interpretation of reality. In the context of freedom, subjectivity highlights that each person may understand and experience freedom differently, based on their individual experiences and values.

• Personal experiences: Each individual has a unique set of experiences that shape their perception of freedom.

• Values and beliefs: Personal beliefs and values influence how one interprets freedom and makes ethical decisions.

• Cultural context: The culture and social environment in which a person lives also affect their view of freedom and subjectivity.

Ethics and Morality

Ethics is the study of the principles that govern human behavior, while morality refers to the standards of behavior that are considered acceptable in a society. The relationship between freedom and ethics/morality is central, as the freedom of choice must be exercised in a manner that respects ethical and moral principles.

• Ethical principles: Guidelines that help determine what is right or wrong in different situations.

• Social morality: Norms and values accepted by society that guide individuals' behavior.

• Ethical decisions: The importance of considering ethics when making choices that affect the lives of others.

Practical Applications

• In the corporate environment, leaders often face decisions that require a balance between employees' creative freedom and the ethical responsibilities of the company.
• In medicine, health professionals must consider the subjectivity of patients when making treatment decisions, respecting their preferences and personal values.
• In the field of artificial intelligence, developers need to ensure that automated decisions respect ethical principles and do not harm individual rights.

Key Terms

• Freedom: The ability to make choices and act according to one's own will.

• Subjectivity: The influence of personal experiences, emotions, and individual perspectives on the perception of reality.

• Ethics: The study of the principles that govern human behavior.

• Morality: Standards of behavior considered acceptable in a society.

• Free will: The ability to make independent decisions free from external influences.

Questions

• How has your perception of freedom been shaped by your personal and cultural experiences?

• In what situations have you had to balance your freedom of choice with ethical and moral considerations?

• How does subjectivity influence ethical decisions in a multicultural work environment?

Conclusion

To Reflect

As we conclude our study on freedom and subjectivity, it is important to reflect on how these concepts influence our daily lives and decisions. The freedom of choice is a fundamental right, but it comes with ethical and moral responsibilities. Subjectivity, in turn, reminds us that our perceptions and decisions are shaped by our experiences, values, and social context. Understanding and respecting different perspectives is essential for living in harmony and making decisions that benefit everyone. In both the job market and personal life, the ability to balance freedom and responsibility while considering subjectivity is a crucial skill for ethical success and leadership.

Mini Challenge - Ethical Decision Diary

Keep a diary for a week, noting decisions you had to make and reflecting on how freedom and subjectivity influenced those choices.

• For one week, daily note at least one decision you had to make.
• Describe the decision and the context in which it occurred.
• Reflect on how your perception of freedom influenced your choice.
• Consider how subjectivity (your personal experiences, values, and social context) affected your decision.
• At the end of the week, write a paragraph summarizing what you learned about the influence of freedom and subjectivity on your decisions.