Freedom (Aquinas 101)

Summary

This script explores the concept of human freedom through the lens of St. Thomas Aquinas, contrasting it with the modern view of freedom as the absence of constraints. Aquinas posits that the will is fundamentally a faculty of desiring good, and true freedom is realized when one's will is aligned with God, the ultimate end of human flourishing. The script delves into how pursuing lesser goods can limit our freedom, while grace from God can elevate our will to seek the Supreme Good, thus fulfilling our true purpose.

Takeaways

• 😇 God's grace can move us freely to make acts of faith, hope, and love, which may seem contradictory to the modern understanding of freedom.
• 🔄 The modern view of freedom is often about choosing without constraint, which is a partial and misleading description of human action according to Aquinas.
• 🤔 Aquinas posits that every choice we make is aimed at something we perceive as good, emphasizing the will as a faculty of desiring or loving, not just choosing.
• 🏆 Our lives are not just a series of individual choices but are part of larger projects aimed at achieving certain goals, which shape our free choices.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The example of a student pursuing a degree or an athlete training for the Olympics illustrates how our will is focused on the end goal and chooses actions that lead to it.
• 🌟 Aquinas argues that freedom emerges from the will's desire for an end perceived as good, leading to the choice of fitting actions to achieve that end.
• 🚧 The modern understanding of freedom can limit our lives by focusing on unworthy ends, such as money or fame, which do not lead to true happiness.
• 💊 Aquinas warns that choosing unworthy ends can lead to a form of enslavement, as exemplified by the analogy of repeatedly choosing to use heroin.
• 🕊️ True happiness and fulfillment come from God, who is the ultimate end capable of satisfying all our desires, according to Aquinas.
• 🛐 God's grace can freely move us towards the highest good, which is eternal life with God, beyond our natural capacity but made possible through Christ's sacraments.
• 📚 The script encourages further exploration of Aquinas's teachings through resources available at Aquinas101.com, including free video courses.

Q & A

What is the modern understanding of freedom as described in the script?

The modern understanding of freedom is often about choosing without constraint and opting for whatever one determines. It involves choosing between contraries without external influence, which is seen as limiting or diminishing freedom.

How does St. Thomas Aquinas view human freedom differently from the modern perspective?

Aquinas views human freedom as more than just choosing between options. He believes that the will is a faculty of desiring or loving, and that our choices are driven by what we perceive as good, aiming at our ultimate end.

According to Aquinas, what is the fundamental feature of the will?

The fundamental feature of the will, according to Aquinas, is that it is a rational appetite that desires or loves the good. It is not just about choosing between options but about desiring the end that is perceived as good.

What does Aquinas suggest about the nature of human life and choices?

Aquinas suggests that human life is not a series of individual choices but is engaged in larger projects with goals. Our choices are made in service of these goals, aiming at what we perceive as good for us.

How does Aquinas define the ultimate end for human beings?

Aquinas defines the ultimate end for human beings as dwelling in eternal life with God. He believes that only God can satisfy all our desires and make us truly happy, which is the true reason for our freedom.

What is the relationship between our will and our freedom according to the script?

The script suggests that our freedom emerges from the will as it desires some end as good. Our will, in some measure, wills for itself whatever our minds grasp as good, leading us to freely choose actions that align with our desired end.

Why does Aquinas believe that pursuing money, power, fame, or honor as ultimate ends will not lead to true happiness?

Aquinas believes that these things, if made the ultimate end, will not lead to true happiness because they are not consistent with human flourishing or happiness. They are not worthy of the human creature made in the image of God.

What does Aquinas say about the nature of sin and its effect on our will?

Aquinas says that every act of sin is like taking heroin; it turns us away from God, our true good, and makes us increasingly unfree. Our wills become chained to desires that are not worthy of us, reducing the scope of the human person.

How does Aquinas view the role of God's grace in our freedom?

Aquinas views God's grace as a gift that can freely move us to desire and choose to love God above all things. It allows us to experience our freedom in its full amplitude, to know and love the Supreme Good for its own sake.

What is the highest good of the human person according to Aquinas?

The highest good of the human person, according to Aquinas, is to dwell in eternal life with God. This is infinitely above our natural capacity but is made possible through God's grace.

How can one deepen their understanding of Aquinas' teachings as mentioned in the script?

One can deepen their understanding of Aquinas' teachings by visiting Aquinas101.com for readings, podcasts, and more videos. They can also sign up for free video courses on Aquinas and engage with the content by liking and sharing.