PS225-REVIEWER

Presumption in Favor of Freedom

The idea that people should be free unless there is a strong reason to restrict that freedom.

Stanley Fish

Political thinker who argues that the concept of 'freedom' is not simple, suggesting that what is considered 'free speech' is often just speech that people approve of.

Negative Liberty

Freedom from external interference.

Positive Liberty

Freedom to control one’s own destiny; about autonomy and the ability to act according to one’s will.

Negative Unfreedom

When external obstacles prevent someone from doing something.

Positive Unfreedom

When internal obstacles prevent someone from doing something.

Berlin’s Distinction

The analytical difference between negative liberty (freedom from interference) and positive liberty (freedom to pursue one's own goals).

Kant's Concept of Positive Liberty

Defined freedom as 'self-government' or 'self-direction', emphasizing acting according to one's own laws or reasons.

Gerald MacCallum's Triadic Concept of Freedom

Freedom understood as a relationship between the agent, constraints, and actions.

Unfreedom vs. Inability

Distinction where unfreedom involves human agency and responsibility, while inability is often due to natural or impersonal factors.

Easton's Concept of the State

Refers to a system that authoritatively allocates values for society, including both formal and informal institutions.

Behavioralist Theory

Focuses on individual and group behavior when analyzing the state.

Conversion Process (Easton)

The process by which the state converts inputs into outputs.

Hyper-globalist

A person who holds a naïve and extreme view of the growing internationalization of the economy and society.

What is Freedom of Speech?

The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.

Legal Limits to Freedom of Speech

Certain expressions can be limited by law, including hate speech and incitement to violence.

Social Contract Theory

The idea that individuals consent to form a society and comply with its rules for mutual benefit.

Utilitarianism

A moral theory that advocates for actions that maximize happiness for the greatest number.

Libertarianism

A political philosophy that emphasizes individual liberty and minimal government intervention.

Censorship

The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information that may be considered objectionable.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental individual rights protected from infringement by the government.

Authoritarianism

A system of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.

Harm Principle

A principle stating that individuals have the right to act freely unless their actions harm others.

Rights vs. Duties

Rights are claims to have or do something, whereas duties are obligations to act or refrain from action.

Civic Responsibility

The obligations of citizens to engage in civic and political participation.

Social Justice

The pursuit of a fair and just society ensuring equal rights and opportunities.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, such as life, liberty, and property.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about political values and the role of government.

Market Freedom

The ability of individuals and companies to act freely in a competitive marketplace.

Equality Before the Law

The principle that all individuals must be treated equally under the law.

Collective Rights

Rights held by a group rather than by individuals, often concerning cultural and social identity.

Political Authority

The legitimate power that an individual or group holds, enabling them to make decisions and enforce rules.

Nonviolent Resistance

A method of protest that rejects the use of violence to achieve social or political goals.