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Single Idea 20323

[from 'Philosophy' by Karl Jaspers, in 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 2. Sources of Free Will ]

Full Idea

Without knowledge there is no freedom ....and without an arbitrary act there is no freedom, ....and there is no freedom without law.

Gist of Idea

Freedom needs knowledge, the possibility of arbitrariness, and law

Source

Karl Jaspers (Philosophy [1932], vol.2)

Book Reference

'Existentialism', ed/tr. Solomon,Robert C. [Modern Library 1974], p.151


A Reaction

He emphasises that an arbitrary act is not a free act, but it is a precondition for being free. The submission to law is active freedom. If you believe in education (and you should) you must believe that knowledge is liberating.

Related Idea

Idea 20324 My freedom increases as I broaden my vision of possiblities and motives [Jaspers]