What becomes clear in the discussion below is that it is our passage through the world that defines the world itself as well as the passage itself: both are in the process of becoming even as they already exist. This means that existence must be marked (as my interlocutor points out) by the possibility for actions and freedoms, inactions and bondages, choices and prescriptions. To begin to explore these themes, I would ask that we consider the meaning(s) of organic and synthetic.

The modern dictionary defines organic as that which is derived naturally or from nature, while synthetic is that which is derived un-naturally or artificially- conceived. I would like to expand upon these definitions.

When I conceive of organic and synthetic I first think of the difference between pure, unadulterated laughter and that laughter which is forced or expected. For instance, when a joke makes me laugh out loud I feel one way. However, when a joke is followed by a laugh track, compelling me to view the situation as funny I feel quite different. I think that the different feelings here indicate a difference between two unique meanings. The first is free or “organic” while the second is directed or “synthetic”. The key difference between the two is that organic processes are not directed- they are free and follow my own intentions, while synthetic processes exhibit a loss of freedom or a decision having been made for me.

These examples are anthropomorphic, though, and fail to speak to an experience that exists beyond myself. To deal with my own experiences- Being- as well as those beyond myself, things-that-be, let us consider for a moment two other processes which relate: constructions and constrictions.

A construction, for example, may be the free manipulation or expression of a being’s intention- it may also be considered to be a thing’s existence free from external influence. Similarly, a constriction may be a process whereby a being is directed against their own free manipulation or expression of their intention- it may also be a being’s existence that is dependant upon an external influence.

To return to our original discussion, an organic process could include anything that is constructed- that which is freely manipulated or expressed by a being or a being’s existence that is free from external influence. A synthetic process could include anything that is constricted- that which is directed against one’s free manipulation or expression or a being’s dependency upon an external influence.

Sometimes there are objects, beings or experiences that are both organic and synthetic. Take, for instance, a pathway. On one hand the pathway remains synthetic because it constricts anyone using it to an intention- a walkway- which was not their choosing. On the other hand, though, a pathway can also be considered to be organic because it represents the free manipulation of the environment for those who constructed it.

To be sure, the important difference between organic and synthetic situations applies directly to our relative freedom or bondage in existence. Consider two specific situations: first those who are free to act toward their own ends, second, those whose actions are motivated by another being or force.

To be responsible for one’s own actions, to have initiated or have the possibility to intent action, this situation is unique because it always puts the Being in a place of freedom. When I am free to act I am free to bear the responsibility for my action, I am free to discern how I will express myself and to influence what type of role that expression will play.

On the other hand, to be defined by another’s actions, to be the affect of another’s intention, this situation puts the Being in a place of bondage. Too fine a point? I do not believe so. For even if I am not able to make up my own mind- when another has preordained the decision for me- not only am I not involved in the situation’s inception, I am, in my forced complicity, bonded to the outcome. I then become responsible for that which I did not decide to take responsibility for. And even if the outcome is benign, expected, or generally ignored, I am still held responsible for actions which were not generated by myself.

While both situations express ones freedoms differently, depending on whether the Being's actions can be considered organically or synthetically. However, in either situation the being retains some responsibility. It is with this responsibility thay we may put a moral judgment of "good" or "bad" on the Being's freedom or bondage. To speak about responsibility, though, moves our discussion in a different direction. The responsibility for ones passage will have to be explored in a later posting.