Views that deny humans have freedomDETERMINISM: PHYSICAL, RELIGIOUS & SOCIAL

Catholics believeFreedom is a characteristic we have because we are human.

We truly use our freedom when we act towards our end as humans, i.e., what makes us the best we can be as humans.

Three groups of thinking that deny human freedom: DETERMINISMNaturalism

A physical determinismReligious Determinism

God “makes us act”Social Determinism

Our “society” makes us act

NaturalismCoined by G.E. MooreMain ideas:

The universe is a material systemEverything follows physical, biological processes of causes & effects

Science / Empirical evidence gives us what is true

You have no freedom because:

Your DNA controls: Who you areWhat you do

Therefore, you are not free, your freedom is only a delusion

PROBLEM?How can you be responsible if you

have no choice?

Catholicism teaches:

We have free willWe are spiritual beings somehow connected with our bodies

Naturalism isn’t a good enough explanation.

Catholicism does not deny

The discoveries of scienceConnections between our spiritual and physical aspects

WE believe that a human person is

A being that is at the same time physical and spiritual

Soul is the word we use to signify our “spiritual principle”

Religious Determinism

Also known as PREDESTINATIONGod “predetermined” the course of HistoryEach person

Providence

A word used to refer to God’s influence on:The events of historyOur actions

Who suggested Predestination?

A French Reformer,John CalvinCatholic Teaching disagrees with predestination:Human freedom does not conflict with God’s providence

PuritansA branch off of CalvinismBelieved:

Because of sin, humans are totally depraved and deserve damnation

People are cut off from God, and helpless to save themselves

God doesn’t want to save all

Catholicism teaches

We are free because of God’s providence

Salvation: God reaches out to us, and that make possible our cooperation to reach back

St. Augustine

1st great theologian to write about free will & how it is connected to God’s grace

He used to be a ManichaeanNo free willBody & matter are evilSpirit & soul are good

Augustine also taught against:

The teachings of Pelagius, i.e., PELAGIANISMFree will has total powerHumans can determine their salvation without God

Social DeterminismOutside forces like:

ParentsCultureTraumatic experiencesOne’s history, social background

Determine one’s behaviour

Sigmund Freud

Your unconscious determines your behaviour

Repressed memories & desires lead to unconscious impulses