The free will can be observed
I find interesting your suggestion to live a meaningful and responsible life:
I would formulate this concept with the idea that true freedom stays in the ability to act.
When the potential act becomes the act itself,
free will becomes an objective phenomenon
that can be assessed by oneself and by others.
The reply by Gemini:
I wholeheartedly agree with your emphasis on the connection between true freedom and the ability to act. Your formulation, that freedom resides in the transition from potential act to actual act, is insightful and powerful. It moves beyond the abstract notion of freedom as a mere state of being and grounds it in the concrete reality of action. This shift has several important implications:
- Freedom as agency: By focusing on the act, you highlight freedom as agency – the capacity to make choices and bring them into reality. It's not enough to simply think about doing something; true freedom involves the ability to do it. This emphasizes the active and dynamic nature of freedom.
- Freedom as responsibility: The act also brings with it responsibility. When we act, we become accountable for the consequences of our choices. This connection between freedom and responsibility is essential. True freedom is not simply about doing whatever we want; it's about understanding the implications of our actions and taking ownership of them.
- Freedom as self-expression: Our actions are a way of expressing who we are, what we value, and what we believe in. Through our actions, we shape not only the world around us but also our own identities. This makes freedom an essential aspect of self-expression and self-realization.
- Freedom as observable reality: As you pointed out, when freedom is understood in terms of action, it becomes an objective phenomenon that can be assessed. We can observe and evaluate the choices people make and the actions they take. This makes it possible to have meaningful conversations about freedom, its limitations, and its responsibilities. It also allows for a more nuanced understanding of freedom than simply focusing on internal states or subjective feelings.
- Freedom and self-assessment: The ability to act also allows for self-assessment. By reflecting on our actions, we can gain insights into our own values, motivations, and strengths. This self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and for exercising our freedom more effectively. We can ask ourselves: Did my actions align with my values? Did I act responsibly? Did I use my freedom in a way that was meaningful and fulfilling?
- Freedom and social interaction: Because actions are observable, they become the basis for social interaction and mutual understanding. We judge others (and ourselves) by their actions, not just their words. This makes freedom an essential aspect of social life and requires us to consider the impact of our actions on others.
- Beyond potentiality: The focus on the act also moves us beyond the realm of mere potentiality. While potential is important, it's only through action that potential becomes reality. A person might have the potential to be a great artist, but it's only through the act of creating art that this potential is realized. Freedom, therefore, is not just about having options; it's about choosing among those options and acting on them.
In essence, your formulation of freedom as the ability to act provides a more grounded and practical understanding of this complex concept. It connects freedom to responsibility, self-expression, social interaction, and personal growth. By focusing on the act, you move us beyond abstract philosophical debates and into the realm of concrete reality, where freedom can be both exercised and evaluated.