Axiological aspect of the development of freedom according to the Rev. Prof. Stanisław Kowalczyk

Abstract

The Rev. Prof. Dr. Hab. Stanisław Kowalczyk emphasizes the dependence of the understanding of freedom ona particular view of the human being, society, history, God and values. According to the scholar, although theories of freedom are grounded in a given historical, cultural, social and political context, the idea of freedom is universal and timeless, and is always connected with the fundamental human needs and aspirations.In all his publications on freedom Kowalczyk points to its axiological basis. Simultaneously,he wishes the close connection between freedom and the sphere of values had been more strongly highlighted in literature up to now.This paper aims to show how –according to Kowalczyk –freedom relates to various values and what influence it has on the development of human freedom. The paper analyzes the consequences of separating freedom from the axiological sphere, the place of freedom in the hierarchy of values as well as the essence of true freedom.