Philosophy of Liberty and Government

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to liberty, government, and the thoughts of major philosophers such as Constant, Berlin, Locke, and Rousseau.

Benjamin Constant

A philosopher who argued that modern liberty equals private independence, contrasting with the ancient view of freedom as active political involvement.

Liberty of the Ancients

A concept of freedom that emphasizes active political participation, such as debating, voting, and holding office.

Liberty of the Moderns

A concept of freedom that prioritizes private independence and the pursuit of personal goals over political engagement.

Isaiah Berlin

A philosopher known for differentiating between negative liberty (freedom from interference) and positive liberty (freedom to achieve self-mastery).

Negative Liberty

Freedom defined as the absence of external barriers, allowing individuals to act without interference from others or the government.

Positive Liberty

Freedom framed as self-mastery, autonomy, and the ability to realize one's true self, often requiring support from the government.

John Locke

An influential philosopher who argued that political power derives from the consent of the governed and that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property.

State of Nature (SON)

A theoretical condition in which individuals exist without government, characterized by natural equality and reason.

Social Contract

An agreement among individuals to form a society and govern themselves, sacrificing some freedom for civil protection.

Rousseau's General Will

The collective will that aims for the common good of all citizens, surpassing individual interests.

Civil Liberty

Freedom under laws made by consent, reflecting the self-given laws of a community.

Direct Democracy

A system where citizens directly participate in making laws, as opposed to representative government.

Legislator

An impartial individual who helps create laws reflecting the general will without ruling over the people.

Natural vs. Civil Liberty

Natural liberty is freedom in the state of nature, while civil liberty is freedom governed by just laws created by the community.

Rousseau's Concept of Slavery

Defined as being driven by appetite alone; true freedom is achieved through self-rule and following laws one imposes on oneself.