Introduction: What is Freedom?
“How free do you feel in your daily life?”
We often believe we are free to make choices and decisions. However, upon reflection, it becomes clear that our freedom is often constrained by societal conditions, the gaze of others, or structural limitations.
The concept of freedom is far from simple. French existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre famously argued, “Freedom is the act of continuous choice, and with that, the weight of responsibility.” Meanwhile, American political philosopher John Rawls believed that “true freedom can only be realized within the framework of social justice,” emphasizing the necessity of fair structures for the realization of freedom.
This article delves into Sartre and Rawls’ perspectives on freedom and explores how these views can be applied to modern challenges such as digital privacy, income inequality, and the tension between individual and collective interests. Let’s reimagine the essence of freedom through a philosophical lens.
1. Sartre’s Existential Freedom: The Burden of Choice and Responsibility
"Man is condemned to be free"
Sartre’s existentialism posits that humans are born without essence and must create their essence through choices. This idea of freedom is not simply about the ability to act but involves the profound responsibility for one’s decisions and their consequences.
Modern Example 1: Social Media and the Gaze of Others
Sartre’s concept of “the gaze of others” aligns remarkably with modern social media culture. While platforms like Instagram and Facebook enable self-expression, they simultaneously bind users to the judgments of others, symbolized by likes and comments.
- Freedom or Constraint?
For instance, posting a photo might feel like an act of freedom, but when motivated by the desire for external validation, it becomes a form of self-restraint. Sartre warns against losing oneself under the gaze of others, calling this a distortion of genuine freedom.
Modern Example 2: Delegation of Choice to AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool for making decisions on our behalf. From music recommendations to shopping suggestions and even medical advice, AI facilitates convenience. But Sartre might view this as problematic.
- Freedom of Choice or Abdication?
When we rely on AI to make decisions, we risk diminishing our responsibility for those choices. Genuine freedom, Sartre would argue, lies in understanding and owning the consequences of one’s actions. As AI extends its reach, Sartre’s philosophy challenges us to ask whether we are forgetting the weight of freedom.
2. Rawls’ Justice as Freedom: The Need for Fair Conditions
"Justice as fairness"
Rawls places freedom within the broader context of social justice. His “difference principle” asserts that while inequalities may exist, they are only justifiable if they benefit the least advantaged members of society. For Rawls, freedom is not merely an individual right but a principle embedded within a fair system.
Modern Example 1: Income Inequality and Universal Basic Income
Income inequality is a pressing issue in today’s society. According to Rawls, inequality is permissible if it provides benefits for the disadvantaged. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a modern policy experiment that aligns with this principle.
- What is UBI?
UBI ensures a guaranteed income for all citizens, aiming to strengthen the social safety net and provide a minimum standard of living. - Can it guarantee freedom?
While UBI may enhance the freedom of the most vulnerable, it also challenges the meritocratic notion of effort-based rewards. This debate underscores the complex interplay between freedom and fairness in modern society.
Modern Example 2: The Pandemic and Individual Freedom
During the COVID-19 pandemic, measures such as mask mandates and vaccination campaigns limited personal freedoms to protect public health. From Rawls’ perspective, these measures could be justified as they aimed to preserve the collective freedom of society.
- Freedom with Responsibility
Rawls’ framework suggests that individual freedom must not infringe upon the freedom of others. Pandemic policies highlighted the delicate balance between individual rights and public welfare.
3. Sartre and Rawls: A Synthesis for Modern Times
Common Ground: Freedom Tied to Responsibility
Despite their differing approaches, both Sartre and Rawls connect freedom to responsibility. Sartre emphasizes the individual’s accountability for their choices, while Rawls highlights the societal structures that enable fair freedoms.
Differences: Internal vs. External Freedom
- Sartre: Focuses on internal freedom, or the self-awareness and ownership of one’s decisions.
- Rawls: Stresses external freedom, or the fair conditions within which individuals can exercise their rights.
Modern Application: Digital Rights and Social Justice
In the digital age, Sartre and Rawls’ philosophies are more relevant than ever.
- Personal Privacy and Responsibility: Data collection and surveillance threaten individual freedom by restricting choice. Sartre’s philosophy reminds us of the importance of self-awareness in protecting our autonomy.
- Fair Access to Technology: From Rawls’ perspective, digital inclusivity and equitable access to technology are critical. Digital rights must balance individual autonomy with collective fairness.
Conclusion: Rethinking Freedom
Freedom is not merely the capacity to make choices but the process of understanding and bearing responsibility for those choices. Sartre and Rawls offer complementary insights that challenge us to rethink freedom in modern times.
Lessons from Sartre
True freedom requires self-awareness and responsibility, even when external forces attempt to influence or constrain our choices.
Lessons from Rawls
Freedom flourishes in a fair society where the least advantaged are supported, and systems are designed to ensure equality of opportunity.
A Call to Action
In today’s world of rapid technological and social change, Sartre’s emphasis on personal choice and Rawls’ focus on societal fairness must converge. Together, they inspire a new model of “responsible freedom”—one that balances autonomy with justice.
So, how free do you feel today? And what are you doing to ensure your freedom remains meaningful?