to will as one ought: an objective definition

 

Acquired freedom of self-perfection (AFSP) is the ability to will as one ought. AFSP is one of the three main types of freedom. The other two are circumstantial freedom of self-realization (freedom of action), and natural freedom of self-determination (freedom of choice).

To find the objective definition of "to will as one ought":

(1) Reducing the concept to perceptual level roots and basic fundamental axioms/principles:

Perceptual level roots:

• The concept of "will" refers to the faculty of conscious choice/volition observed in living beings with consciousness
• "Ought" refers to the concept of moral duty/obligation, derived from observing beneficial vs detrimental actions
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Basic axioms/principles:

• Reality exists as an objective metaphysical fact
• Consciousness/awareness exists and allows volitional beings to perceive reality
• Reason is man's basic tool for knowledge and survival
• Certain actions/choices tend to promote life, others tend towards death/destruction
• 
  

(2) Additional intermediate steps/principles:

• Ethics studies what values, virtues, and duties a rational being should accept to live properly
• Rational ethics holds that one should choose based on factual premises derived from reality
• Rational ethics advocates choosing in a manner conducive to one's life/flourishing as a rational being
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(3) Essential distinguishing characteristics:

• An objectively proved code/system of proper values and virtues for a rational being
• Adhering to demonstrably life-promoting principles through rational choice
• Aligning one's will with an ethics derived from facts about reality and human nature
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(4) Definition: To will as one ought is to use one's volitional faculty of conscious choice to adhere to an objectively validated rational ethics/morality - using reason to align one's values, virtues and actions with principles derived from facts about reality and what is genuinely life-promoting for a rational being.

Criteria for Objectivity:

• Based on facts of reality, not feelings/whims
• Derived from observable data via reason, not arbitrary assertions
• Universal principles applying to all beings of a certain nature (humans)
• Not contradicting known facts about reality, logic, human nature, etc.
• 
  

Evaluation:
This definition meets the criteria for an objective definition based on the process followed. It is derived from perceptually observable facts, basic axioms about reality/existence, reasoned ethics principles, and an integration identifying the essential distinguishing characteristics.

It is aimed at being a general, universal definition by relating the concept to fundamentals about reality, human consciousness/volition, and valid ethics for rational beings. However, it is limited by the scope of current knowledge in philosophy, psychology, and ethics - as knowledge grows, the definition may be further refined while maintaining objectivity.

In addition:

Fundamentals:
Every rational ethical system holds that we must act within the framework of reality and nature, not ignoring or violating objective facts. For man, this means living according to his nature as a rational being, using reason as his basic means of knowledge and survival.

To "will as one ought" is to exercise one's volitional faculty of conscious choice in accordance with an objectively valid rational ethical code derived from the requirements of man's rational nature. It is to choose one's values, actions and life-long course based on and aligned with demonstrably life-promoting principles - not whims, social myths or subjective feelings.

Perceptual Roots:
We observe that man alone has the ability to exercise free conscious choice to guide his actions (the will). We perceive that certain actions and virtues like rationality, honesty, integrity promote human life, while others like force, fraud, whim undermine it.

Basic Axioms:
Reason accepts the axioms that reality exists independent of consciousness, contradictions cannot be integrated, the existence of consciousness as self-evident, and that consciousness and existence are irreducible primaries.

Ethics applies further axioms like: reality is absolute and we cannot alter facts by our wishes, reason is our only means of knowledge and must be our absolute, we must act with purpose to achieve values and sustain our life.

Additional Principles:
The use of reason to inductively derive an objectively valid ethical code from the observable requirements of human life and the factual prerequisites for achieving values.

Some key ethical principles: reality is absolute, reason is our means of knowledge, individuality and individual rights are inviolate, productive work is our source of sustenance.

Essential Characteristics:
Deriving an ethics system from facts about reality, logic, the requirements of human survival as a rational being. Basing choices/actions on rational principles proven to be life-promoting and reality-congruent, not whims or social myths.

Universal Definition:
To will as one ought is to exercise one's volitional faculty to make choices and have a life plan based on an objective, rational ethics - adhering to proven virtues, principles and actions that factually uphold human life and flourishing.

Crucially, this means rejecting any contradictions of observable reality, illogical premises, or ethical stances detached from facts about human nature and requirements for survival as beings of volitional consciousness.