History of Freedom
Episode 4 – Absolutism & Constitutionalism
Absolute Monarchs
Absolute monarchs sought to centralize power and control within their realms. However, we will find out that this concentration of power had its consequences.
Constitutionalism
The push for constitutionalism in Europe was often driven by groups advocating for political reform and the protection of individual rights. Let’s explore!
The Dutch Golden Age
An influx of talent and diversity fostered a climate of innovation and creativity in Holland, leading to remarkable advancements in fields such as science, art, and philosophy.
Time for Reflection
What impact has this episode had on your thoughts about the way Constitutionalism shaped our current freedoms?
A QUESTION OF FREE WILL
Philosopher Baruch Spinoza holds that everything that exists is part of nature, and everything in nature follows the same basic laws. In this perspective, human beings are part of nature, and hence they cannot have free will.
Philosopher Descartes believed that the human soul is exempted from the kind of deterministic laws described by Spinoza and therefore people have freedom over their actions.
Which of these two points are you likely to agree and argue for? Is there a personal experience that makes you stand for one of these arguments?
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