Manumission - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Manumission, a resonant echo from history's corridors, signifies the act of an owner freeing their enslaved person, a concept laden with complexities that extend far beyond a simple declaration of liberty. Was this a gift, an earned reward, or merely a strategic maneuver in a society built on inherent injustice?
The practice of manumission traces back to ancient civilizations, with glimpses found in the Code of Hammurabi (c. 1754 BC) where provisions existed for enslaved people to purchase their freedom, or be freed for specific actions. Consider, too, the striking icon of Spartacus, whose revolt challenged the very underpinnings of Roman slave society, thus making manumission a relevant aspect in the annals of his rebellion. These early examples, however, lacked the organized and systematized approaches developed later in various cultures, revealing a slow burn in the evolution of this great idea. The concept of manumission evolved differently across cultures and time periods. Ancient Rome offered formalized processes, sometimes involving elaborate ceremonies and legal frameworks. These practices raise ethical questions about the power dynamics inherent in the system and the limited scope of freedom granted. It makes one pause and wonder, do we really possess free will or are we creatures subjected to determinism and compatibilism in a world that seemingly celebrates free will?
Over time, the interpretation and implementation of manumission varied significantly. The rise of abolitionist movements in the 18th and 19th centuries, fuelled by Enlightenment ideals and burgeoning moral philosophy, significantly reshaped the landscape. Figures like Frederick Douglass, whose own escape from slavery and subsequent advocacy galvanized the abolitionist movement, underscored the urgency and complexity of manumission. As experiment ethics, an evolving field, prompts us to question the morality of our actions concerning the sentient, these events force us to ponder the definition of slavery and freedom in our own societies. Think, for example, of Peter Singer's work, which has had a huge impact upon animal rights philosophy. It makes one beg the question, "Are we truly free if others are not? Further, does the answer to that question really depend upon subjective morality?"
The legacy of manumission endures as a potent symbol of resistance, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for human rights, echoing in modern-day discussions surrounding restitution, restorative justice, and the dismantling of systemic inequities. The nuances of manumission, far from being confined to antiquated textbooks, provoke critical inquiry into contemporary forms of oppression and the insidious ways power dynamics continue to shape our world. So, consider this final question: What hidden forms of bondage still exist in our seemingly enlightened age, and who will champion their manumission?