Herbert Marcuse: 'The criterion for free choice can never be an absolute one, but neither is it entirely relative.'

The criterion for free choice can never be an absolute one, but neither is it entirely relative.

The quote by Herbert Marcuse, "The criterion for free choice can never be an absolute one, but neither is it entirely relative," highlights the complex nature of human decision-making and challenges the notions of absolutes and relativism. In a straightforward manner, this quote suggests that there is no definitive standard by which one can determine what constitutes free choice. However, it also implies that freedom of choice cannot solely be subjective or solely depend on individual preferences.At first glance, this quote may seem paradoxical, as it introduces a gray area between absolute and relative criteria for free choice. To further explore this concept, let us delve into the realms of philosophy and consider the notion of existentialism.Existentialism, a philosophical approach focused on individual freedom and choice, offers an interesting perspective on the topic. According to existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, humans are inherently free and must take responsibility for their choices. They argue that there are no predefined criteria or external factors that can dictate what should or should not be considered as free choice.On the other hand, Marcuse's quote acknowledges that there are limitations to complete subjectivity in decision-making. It suggests that despite the absence of absolute guidelines, the notion of free choice cannot be entirely based on individual desires or personal inclinations. This implies that there are certain external factors or societal constructs that may influence our decisions, whether we are aware of them or not.To illustrate this concept, let's consider the example of a society with deeply ingrained prejudices or biases. In such a society, individuals may believe they are making free choices, but their decisions might be influenced by societal pressures, conditioning, or cultural norms. This raises important questions about the extent of one's freedom and the potential impact of external factors on individual choices.In contrast, existentialists argue that true freedom lies in recognizing and accepting the responsibility for one's actions, irrespective of societal influence. They believe in taking a more radical approach to freedom, emphasizing personal judgment and authenticity. According to existentialism, freedom can only be achieved by accepting that there are no absolute criteria and daring to embrace the uncertainties of life.The quote by Marcuse invites us to critically reflect on the nature of our decision-making processes. It challenges us to question whether our choices are truly free or influenced by external forces. By considering the existentialist perspective, we are encouraged to explore the concept of freedom beyond the boundaries of absolutes and relativism.In conclusion, the quote by Herbert Marcuse presents a thought-provoking examination of free choice. It suggests that while there can never be an absolute criterion for determining what constitutes free choice, it cannot be entirely subjective either. By introducing the concept of existentialism and contrasting it with the quote, we gain further insights into the complexities surrounding human decision-making. This quote pushes us to question the interplay between individual autonomy and external influences, ultimately prompting us to evaluate and redefine our understanding of freedom.