All notes about the concept of freedom

 Existential Psychotherapy

Biochemical imbalance may not be the cause but the symptom. The cause is...

• Based on the idea that some psychological disorders are the result of the individuals inability to reconcile themselves with certain characteristics of the human condition.
• The treatment of psychological afflictions is self reflection, expansion of awareness, and acceptance of the human condition

Concept of Freedom

• Individual freedom is a recent concept
• Freedom within the mind as well as physical
• Greeks (look into)
• Does freedom really exist?
• Conflicting definitions

"We live, not as we wish, but as we can"

- Menander, 4th Cent. BC, Ancient Greece Dramaist (New Comedy)

"No man is free who is not master of himself"

• Freedom is ones responsibility to others 
• Freedom is living simply
• Freedom is restricted to a small minority of the population
• Men
• White
• Property owning
• Owning slaves 

Freedom is a political statement

Christian Freedom

• Everyone is dominated by our sins
• Accept God as being leader (then achieve your own freedom)
• Gods power over us
• Salvation is decided by God
• There has to be some free will (decide good over bad)
• Master our passions
• Freedom is within us
• Monarchy is everything
• God is Lord (we are lords in his image)
• Humanity liberty
• Animals are not Lords over us

17th Century

• Speak freely to discover truth
• Toleration over different beliefs
• Modern freedom

"God has entrusted me with myself. No man is free who is not master of himself. A  man should go live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things. The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going."

- Epictetus

"None can be free who is a slave to, and rules by his passions"

- Pythagoras 

Interviewing family about freedom

"Freedom is freedom of speech. Free to do whatever actions you want that isn't illegal. To have opinions and  not be controlled like a slave."

- Linzi

"Freedom to vote and marry whoever you love"

- Linzi

"Freedom? Freedom to go anywhere. Freedom of speech."

- Mum

"My liberty. To say what I want, do what I want. Not feel like I am in a prison cell. I am against oppression."

- Dad

"Be able to do what we want, within reason and doesn't hurt anyone else."

- Bill

After conducting this small interview I have discovered that most people agree with the modern, liberal definition of freedom.