

On Freedom with Matt Barnard
Jul 23, 2025
Dr. Matthew Barnard, a philosophy lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, discusses the nuances of freedom in philosophical terms. He delves into Heidegger’s unique take on freedom, moving beyond the conventional views of free will and determinism. The dialogue also touches on Kant's perspectives on autonomy and morality, emphasizing how technology impacts our sense of agency. Barnard argues that true freedom requires personal responsibility and critical engagement, especially in today’s complex political landscape.
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Freedom's Historical Fluidity
- Our understanding of freedom is historically determined and changes with different priorities and obligations.
- Ancient Greeks lacked a concept of will, central to modern freedom discussions introduced by Christianity.
Freedom is Release from Imprisonment
- People experience freedom as release from what imprisons them, though what limits them varies.
- For instance, libertarians see state control as imprisonment; some fear AI disrupting autonomy.
Heidegger's Freedom Beyond Causality
- Heidegger rejects the traditional free will debate focused on causality as a false problem.
- He argues freedom is a more primordial concept beyond cause and effect, related to being-in-time.