Freedom/liberty

Question 1

define positive freedom

Answer 1

Freedom is linked to self-fulfilment, for an individual to be truly free they should be able to develop their own personal talents and abilities, limited state intervention may be necessary for all people to achieve this.

Question 2

define negative freedom

Answer 2

Freedom can be measured by how much constraint is placed upon the individual by a government, the less the constraints the freer the people. Minor ‘night-watchmen’ states are necessary to prevent murder, stealing etc.

Question 3

What does Jeremy Bentham believe?

Answer 3

Utilitarianism; the best action is the one that determines the most amount of good for the largest number of people. Underpinned by the belief that humans are driven by rational self-interest.

Question 4

how does Bentham’s idea of utilitarianism link to freedom?

Answer 4

Individuals need to have the freedom to divide what is in their interest (linking individualism and freedom). Human actions, according to Bentham, seek pleasure and avoid pain, and the government must not attempt to limit people unless their actions threaten others ability to seek pleasure.

Question 5

What do classical liberals think about freedom?

Answer 5

Freedom is defined as the freedom from intervention by others and the government. In order for the individual to be free they require minimum impact from the government beyond any negative impact they may inflict upon others.

Question 6

what do modern liberals think about freedom?

Answer 6

Freedom is defined as the ability to achieve self-fulfillment, the freedom to be able to succeed physically, emotionally or spiritually in whatever chosen path an individual takes. For everyone to achieve this the government will need to support individuals to achieve.