Freedom of the Human Person

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the notes on freedom, morality, law, and existential thought.

Freedom

A core aspect of humanity's authenticity; the ability to choose and act beyond limitations; realization that actions have consequences.

Authenticity

Being true to one’s true self and living in accordance with one’s nature and transcendence.

Transcendence

Going beyond physical or economic limitations to reach a higher, authentic self.

Practical intellect

Reasoning that guides the will by enlightening it in practical judgments.

Will

The faculty of free choice; an instrument guided by intellect.

Moral acts

Particular acts within our power for which we are responsible.

Rational (reason)

Human capacity for logical thinking; considered a divine characteristic or spark.

Divine spark

The idea that human reason reflects a divine aspect.

Moral agent

A being capable of moral responsibility; both spiritual and material in nature.

Spirituality

The inner life that shapes decisions and moral orientation.

Transcendental destiny

A supernatural goal for humanity beyond mortal life.

Perfection by participation

Becoming perfect by participating in the divine or greater good.

Cooperation with God

The power to change through collaboration with the divine.

Eternal law

God’s decree governing all creation; unchangeable and universal.

Natural law

Ethical principles rooted in human nature; first principle: good to be sought and evil avoided.

Human law

Laws created by humans; ends determined by human purposes.

Divine law

Law revealed by God that orders humans to transcend nature.

First principle of natural law

Good is to be sought and evil avoided.

Sincerity

Judging a person by both actions and the honesty behind those actions.

Divine revelation

God’s communication of truth; provides certitude beyond unaided reason.

Certitude

Firm certainty given by divine revelation or robust reasoning.

Interior disposition

The inward moral attitude accompanying outward acts.

Existence precedes essence

Sartre’s principle that a person exists first and defines themselves afterward.

En-soi

Being-in-itself; existence without self-conscious purpose.

Mauvaise foi

Bad faith; self-deception to avoid obligation or responsibility.

Lex Naturalis

Hobbes’s Law of Nature: reasoned rules to preserve life and seek peace.

Covenant

Mutual transfer of rights that underpins moral obligation and justice.

General Will

Rousseau’s notion of the collective will aiming at the common good.