6.1.2 Freedom/Liberty

Definition of Freedom/Liberty

Individual Freedom

Core Principle

• Individual freedom is a foundational principle in liberalism, emphasizing the right of each person to make their own choices and pursue their own goals without unwarranted interference from others or the state.

Freedom and Human Nature

• Liberals view humans as rational beings capable of making their own decisions. Therefore, individual freedom is essential, as it allows people to act according to their rational self-interest and develop their potential.
• Individual freedom is not just the absence of restraint but also the presence of opportunities to act on one's choices. This is especially emphasized in modern liberalism.

Link Between Freedom and Individualism

Freedom as the Basis for Individualism

• Individualism in liberalism is closely tied to the concept of freedom.
• Freedom allows individuals to pursue their own interests and achieve personal autonomy. It is the environment in which individualism can flourish.

Mutual Reinforcement

• Freedom and individualism reinforce each other in liberal ideology. The belief in the primacy of the individual leads to the demand for maximum freedom, and the emphasis on freedom supports the notion that individuals should be able to determine their own lives.

Freedom is 'Under the Law' in Liberalism

Rule of Law

• The rule of law ensures that freedom does not lead to anarchy. Laws are necessary to prevent the abuse of freedom and to protect the rights of others.

Protection of Rights

• The law plays a crucial role in safeguarding individual freedoms. It prevents the infringement of one person's liberty by another and ensures that everyone's rights are respected.
• Constitutionalism: Many liberals advocate for a constitution or a bill of rights to enshrine these laws, protecting individual freedom from both the state and other individuals.

The Role of the State in Freedom

Classical Liberal View

• Classical liberals advocate for a minimal state, often referred to as a 'night-watchman' state. They believe the state's role is primarily to protect individuals from harm (both from others and from foreign threats) and to enforce contracts.
• Negative Freedom: Classical liberals focus on "negative freedom," which is the freedom from interference. They believe the state should not interfere in personal choices or economic activities, allowing individuals the maximum freedom to act as they choose.

Modern Liberal View

• Modern liberals, while valuing individual freedom, also recognize that some state intervention is necessary to create the conditions in which true freedom can be realized. They argue that the state should play a more active role in providing education, healthcare, and social welfare to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to exercise their freedom meaningfully.
• Positive Freedom: Modern liberals emphasize "positive freedom," which is the freedom to achieve one's potential. This may require the state to remove social and economic barriers that prevent individuals from acting on their choices.

Differences Between Modern and Classical Liberal Views on Freedom

Classical Liberals

• Emphasize negative freedom, which is freedom from external constraints or interference.
• Advocate for a minimal state that only intervenes to protect individual rights and maintain order.
• Believe that the market and individual competition naturally lead to the best outcomes, with minimal state involvement.

Modern Liberals

• Focus on positive freedom, which is the freedom to achieve self-realization and personal development.
• Support a more active state that intervenes to provide public services and correct social inequalities, thus ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities to exercise their freedom.
• Argue that without some state intervention, social and economic inequalities could restrict the freedom of the disadvantaged.

Conclusion

• In liberalism, freedom is the central value that underpins the ideology's commitment to individualism, the rule of law, and the role of the state. While classical and modern liberals differ in their understanding of freedom—whether it is the absence of interference or the presence of opportunities—both agree that freedom is essential for the fulfillment of human potential and the protection of individual rights within a just society.