In his talk on the nature of freedom, Robert Barron explores the concept of freedom, particularly its interpretation in Western culture. He begins by referencing the influence of notable figures like Martin Luther King and Bob Dylan, using Dylan's lyrics to introduce the theme of freedom linked to truth and responsibility.
Barron delves into theological perspectives on freedom, citing St. Thomas Aquinas and William of Ockham as representatives of two distinct views. Aquinas posits that true freedom aligns with God's inherent goodness, arguing that God cannot sin because His will is perfectly ordered to His goodness. In contrast, Ockham emphasizes God's absolute power, suggesting that God's will is so powerful it defines reality, thereby divorcing freedom from goodness.
Transposing these theological ideas into human terms, Barron contrasts two types of freedom: the 'freedom of indifference' and the 'freedom for excellence.' The former, prevalent in modern Western culture, is about self-determination and choice without constraints, reflecting Ockham's view. The latter, which Barron advocates, is about disciplining desire to achieve and effortlessly maintain the good, aligning with Aquinas's view.
Using examples like language proficiency and golfing, Barron illustrates that true freedom comes from embracing and internalizing laws and disciplines, leading to mastery and the ability to achieve desired outcomes. He criticizes the modern view of freedom as self-creation without external or internal constraints, arguing that it leads to confusion and unhappiness, especially among young people.
In summary, Barron's talk emphasizes that genuine freedom is not about arbitrary choice or self-determination but about aligning one's will with objective goodness and truth, a perspective deeply rooted in theological traditions and crucial for understanding and addressing contemporary cultural challenges.
