Poli3002: The power of political ideas

What is negative freedom

Absence of external restraints and interference on one's actions.

Free to do as they please as long as they do no harm.

Little government intervention

Why do we need freedom according to negative liberty

Allows individuals to pursue their own goals and live their lives without interference or coercion of others. It emphasises the absence of constraints.

What is the limit of freedom according to negative liberty

occurs when one person's exercise of freedom infringes upon someone else's freedom, stated by Mills. (harms principle)

is poverty a lack of freedom, according to negative liberty

poverty is a lack of freedom as poverty limits a person's ability to choose and live a life of their own (eg restrictions on education, resources etc)

What are the problems with negative liberty

lack of safeguarding especially for vulnerable groups

potential for inequality as someone's freedom may come at the expense of others (eg industries have the freedom to engage in actions that heavily damage the environment such as emitting pollutants)

what is positive liberty

the ability to pursue one's own goals without internal constraints (eg: confidence or conflicting desires). Focuses on providing opportunity and resources for individuals to actively participate in society

What is the limit of freedom, according to positive liberty

How does positive liberties conception of human nature differ from negative liberty

Believes human nature is socially and morally interconnected (our choices impact each other) and can inhibit one's access to true freedom however negative liberty believes human nature is inherently self-interested, and peoples own desires and interests should be allowed to flourish in order to achieve freedom

What is Taylors defence of positive liberty?

true freedom is more than just being free from external constraints. Removing obstacles isnt enough. Focuses on how we need the ability to shape our lives and having the means to do so.

Emphasises social and economic conditions

Criticises negative liberty as they believe peoples are freedoms/viewpoints are neutral (always valid).

Is positive liberty incompatible with autocracy

Autocracy is not compatible with positive liberty as a single government can lead to coercion, removing people autonomy and ability to pursue their own desires.