On March 2, the Morning Star Regional Seminary in Kolkata, India, hosted an academic debate on a question as old as it is relevant: “Do human beings enjoy absolute freedom?”
Students of philosophy and theology took part in the event, together with nearby religious communities and members of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts. The meeting was organized by Leo James, moderator of the brothers in formation, and moderated by Professor Joseph Chacko.
During the debate, the philosophy students argued that absolute freedom does not exist, maintaining that social norms and laws inevitably limit human actions. Meanwhile, the theology students claimed that God grants an absolute freedom that is necessary for assuming authentic moral responsibility.
Although the jury declared the philosophy team the winner based on their performance according to the rules of the debate, the final reflection emphasized that absolute freedom remains the ideal that inspires the search for true moral responsibility and a fully free life.
03/15/2026