Putting a Face on Freedom :: Philosophy Philosophical Papers

Putting a Face on FreedomWhat is Freedom? Freedom in and of itself defies definition since its very essence and parameters can be shown only with its constraints and limitations. If one state of being is unable to stand on its own merits and must rely on another to have structure, can it neer truly be free. Therein lies the irony freedom is forever encapsulated by its limitations, regardless of its range. Without evident barriers, it could not exist. If it is within barriers, can it truly exist? This motif will discuss the existence of freedom and several of its forms. Although much sought after, gaining freedom usually involves strife and war. With the splitting of the Catholic Church in the Reformation, legion(predicate) restraints on science, religion and education vanish, causing a rebirth of knowledge and philosophical thought. Although fragmented, the Catholic Church is by no means vanquished, so requisite conflicts arise. The conflicts are not confined to the battlefi eld, though, they occur more often than not in the form of books and documents. With wars, famine and social upheaval accompanying the Reformation, men sometimes lament the passing of the former system (a unified Church) which, though imperfect, at least provides some stability. Thomas More, a critic of King Henry VIII, vigorously disguises his criticisms in his literature. He writes about a tightly regulated society, Utopia, where there are no social strata and people of all religious persuasions can have sex harmoniously with one another, to freely practice their religions without fear of reproach. Though there seems to be an abundance of freedom, including religious, there are a few hitchessuch as having to obtain permission from your father and wife before exploring the countryside, wearing the same clothing as everyone else, having no possibility for social advancement and compulsory theism (your weft of deities, however) he (Utopus) made a solemn and severe law against such as shouldthink that our souls died with our bodies, or that the world was governed by chance, without a wise overruling frugality (More, p. 747). Mores Utopia offers freedoms some might cherish, but others would find it unbearably restrictive. Even those of a religious bent might have looked askance at Utopias forced theism policy. Is it freedom? Some might think so if they believed freedom of religion didnt include freedom from religion.