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Understanding Freedom: Exploring Choices, Political Philosophy Constraints and Individual Choices in Politics

November 21, 2023 1058 0

Understanding Freedom: Personal and Political Autonomy

In political philosophy and everyday life, Freedom is the state of being free from constraints or limitations. It encompasses personal autonomy, which relates to an individual’s autonomy over their choices and actions, and political freedom, which concerns the capacity to participate in governance and influence decision-making. 

What Does Freedom Mean: Limits and Opportunities?

  1. Absence of external constraints, and 
  2. Expansion of opportunities for self-expression
  • In political theory, these aspects are frequently referred to as negative and positive liberty.

What Roles Do Negative and Positive Liberties Play in Freedom?

Aspect Negative Liberty Positive Liberty
Focus
  • “Freedom from” external constraints and interference.
  • “Freedom to” develop and fulfill one’s potential within a societal framework.
Nature 
  • Emphasises an inviolable area of non-interference.
  • Aims to create conditions conducive to individual growth.
Society’s Role
  • Concerned with defining boundaries of personal autonomy.
  • Concerned with creating an environment conducive to individual development.
Interrelation
  • Often complemented by positive liberty for comprehensive freedom.
  • Supports negative liberty by nurturing conditions for self-expression.
Potential Misuse
  • Could focus solely on individual autonomy without addressing broader societal issues.
  • Might be manipulated by rulers to justify their authority.

How Do External Domination, Government Authority, Social Inequality, and Economic Disparity Constrain Freedom?

  • External Domination: Individuals may face limitations on their freedom through external force or government-imposed rules, as seen historically in colonial rule and apartheid.
  • Government Authority: Non-democratic governments can curtail freedom through laws and power, while democratic systems allow citizens to influence rulers for greater liberty.
  • Social Inequality: Systems like caste hierarchies restrict individuals by denying certain rights based on social status.
  • Economic Disparity: Extreme economic inequality limits individuals as unequal access to resources and opportunities hinders the exercise of individual liberties.

Constraint to Freedom

 

How Did Mandela and Suu Kyi Define Freedom Through Struggles and Sacrifices?

  • Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela, an influential figure of the 20th century, detailed his fight against South Africa’s apartheid regime in his autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom.” 
    • He highlighted the challenges faced by black South Africans, including segregation, humiliations, and police brutality.
    • Mandela’s struggle aimed to remove unjust constraints on all South Africans, transcending racial divisions. 
    • He sacrificed 28 years of his life, enduring solitary confinement and personal sacrifices for the cause of freedom.
  • Aung San Suu Kyi drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence principles during her house arrest in Myanmar.Aung San Suu Kyi 
    • She faced separation from her family and the fear of losing her liberty. Suu Kyi believed that genuine liberty entailed being free from fear itself, allowing individuals to lead dignified lives. 
    • She emphasized the importance of not fearing others’ opinions, authority, or societal reactions.

Balancing Freedom: The Need for Necessary Constraints

  • These constraints are necessary for a peaceful and functional society.
  • Striking a balance between constraints and individual freedom is essential.
  • Society’s well-being relies on the judicious implementation of necessary constraints.

What is John Stuart Mill’s Harm Principle and Its Role in Safeguarding Freedom?

  • State Interference: This principle addresses the boundaries of state interference in individual actions and emphasizes the protection of freedom. 
  • Difference: The foundation of this theory is the difference between “self-regarding” and “other-regarding” behaviors.
  • Make Choices: He argues that the state should not interfere with self-regarding actions, as individuals have the right to make choices that don’t harm others. 
  • Legal Constraints: In case of actions that have serious harm to others, he allows for legal constraints to prevent harm and protect individual liberty. 
    • However, these restrictions must be “reasonable,” meaning they are justifiable by reason and proportionate to the harm being prevented.
    • In India, such acceptable restraints are referred to as ‘reasonable restrictions.’

 

What are the Core Tenets of Liberalism, Including Tolerance, Individualism, and Views on Inequality?

  • Upholds Tolerance: Liberalism, a significant political ideology, upholds the value of tolerance, defending individuals’ rights to express diverse opinions and beliefs, even when differing from their own.
  • Individualism: Liberals prioritize the worth of personal choices over traditional entities like family, society, or community. Historically, liberalism favored minimal state intervention and championed free markets.
  • Reducing Inequality: Contemporary liberalism recognizes the importance of a welfare state and acknowledges the necessity of measures aimed at reducing both social and economic inequalities. 
    • This nuanced approach reflects liberalism’s evolution while preserving its core principles.

What are the Perspectives of Voltaire and John Stuart Mill on the Value of Freedom?

Voltaire:

  • ‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.’

What are the Perspectives of Voltaire and John Stuart Mill on the Value of Freedom? Voltaire

John Stuart Mill:

  • In “On Liberty,” he provided four key reasons to support freedom, even for seemingly ‘false’ ideas:
    • Every idea holds some truth; banning ‘false’ ideas means losing their valuable insights.
    • Truth emerges from opposing views; ‘wrong’ ideas can aid the evolution of ‘right’ ones.
    • Ongoing clash of ideas prevents truths from becoming clichés and ensures trustworthiness.
    • Ideas once rejected have proven true later. Suppressing dissenting views risks losing valuable knowledge.

John Stuart Mill

Conclusion:

  • Our understanding of freedom has evolved from perceiving it as the absence of external constraints to recognizing it as the expression of our ability to make choices. 
    • These choices, however, come hand in hand with the responsibility for their outcomes.

 

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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