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Human Freedom and EqualityWhat 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 were 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 human

dignity. The general principle underlying this entire concept is one

of universal 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 its likely that those desires were ends determined

outside of us. Its not necessarily wrong to do this, but we arent

acting freely when were the means to ends conjured up by outside

influences, which Kant called heteronomy. 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 natural 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

slave of the passions. What he meant by this was that reason to him

was purely instrumental, or it identified means for the pursuit of

certain ends. But, two points must be raised: 1.) If this were the

case, then wed be better off with instinct. But, we wouldnt be truly

free human beings because wed be acting like animals, whereas wed be

satisfying desires determined beyond our control, and 2.) These

certain ends were determined by outside influences, so individuals

would be acting under heteronomy. But, we wouldnt be truly free

human beings because we wouldnt be acting under autonomy, whereas

were utilizing our capacity/freedom to reason.

Another concept of freedom, which Students for Equality does

not endorse, is economic freedom. This freedom is based upon a

foundation of inequality, whereas the amount of so-called freedom

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 hes

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fallen behind? This leads some to buy another yacht and some to be

unable to support their basic needs. From each according to his

ability, to each according to his need is now recognized as a

fundamentally reasonable idea. And, such an idea of freedom is

morally arbitrary; for those to say that these actors in a market

deserve the fruits of their labor is flawed, for such was likelymade 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 who 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 isa struggle between the oppressor and the oppressed) and alienation

(human beings would not have their rights respected if we did not

respect universal human rights, the basis for those other rights).

Kants concept of equality is what us students call true freedom-

for it recognizes all human beings (equally) as autonomous moral

agents. Unlike empiricism or economic 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 call to

action must be recognized with regard if we want to strengthen the

message of Students for Equality.

ADAM TOMASI

DIRECTOR OF MEDIA for Students for Equality