What Is Freedom?

Freedom can be defined as the absence of external constraints on individuals, enabling them to make independent decisions and act autonomously. However, freedom encompasses more than just the absence of constraints; it also involves the expansion of individuals’ ability to freely express themselves and develop their potential. In this broader sense, freedom entails creating conditions in which people can nurture their creativity and capabilities.

Individuals striving for freedom often confront social constraints that limit their ability to choose, decide, or act. They may struggle against unjust restrictions imposed by society, advocating for the removal of oppressive barriers that hinder personal development and expression. These individuals challenge societal norms and institutions that suppress individual freedoms, seeking to create a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Furthermore, the concept of “Swaraj” in Indian political thought aligns with the notion of freedom, emphasizing self-rule and liberation from oppressive structures. Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the importance of understanding Swaraj as both the rule over oneself and the collective pursuit of freedom. By recognizing the interconnectedness of individual and societal freedom, Gandhi envisioned a society where individuals could realize their full potential while upholding principles of justice and self-responsibility.

In summary, freedom entails not only the absence of external constraints but also the creation of conditions that enable individuals to pursue their interests and develop their capabilities. It involves challenging unjust social constraints and fostering a society where everyone has the opportunity to chart their own destiny and fulfill their potential.

Freedom| Class 11 Political Science Notes

Freedom means being able to do what you want and enjoy the value of your actions. There are two types: positive and negative. Positive freedom includes rights that help you develop without harming others. Negative freedom means there are no limits on what you can do. Freedom comes in different forms natural, civil, political, economic, and religious. To protect freedom, we have things like democracy, equal rights, economic security, and constitutional laws.

In this article, we are going to discuss about Freedom in detail.

Freedom| Class 11 Political Science Notes

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What Is Freedom?

Freedom can be defined as the absence of external constraints on individuals, enabling them to make independent decisions and act autonomously. However, freedom encompasses more than just the absence of constraints; it also involves the expansion of individuals’ ability to freely express themselves and develop their potential. In this broader sense, freedom entails creating conditions in which people can nurture their creativity and capabilities....

The Ideal Of Freedom

The autobiography of Nelson Mandela, one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century, is titled “Long Walk to Freedom.” In this book, he reflects on his personal battle against South Africa’s apartheid regime....

The Sources of Constraints

Restrictions on individual freedom can arise from various sources, including domination and external controls. These limitations might be enforced through coercion or established by a governing authority via laws that reflect the authority’s power over the populace and may be enforced through coercive measures....

Why We Need The Constraints?

We cannot exist in a world devoid of constraints. Constraints are essential to prevent societal descent into chaos. Disparities in ideas, opinions, conflicting ambitions, and competition for scarce resources are inherent among individuals, leading to potential disagreements expressed through open conflict....

Harm Principle

To adequately address these questions, it is crucial to consider the limits, competence, and consequences of imposing restrictions. John Stuart Mill’s essay “On Liberty” introduces the concept of the “harm principle,” which asserts that the only justification for interfering with an individual’s liberty is to prevent harm to others. Mill distinguishes between “self-regarding” actions, which only affect the individual, and “other-regarding” actions, which have consequences for others. He argues that while the state has no right to interfere with self-regarding actions, it may intervene to prevent harm caused by other-regarding actions....

Negative and Postive Liberity

In this chapter, two dimensions of freedom have been discussed: negative liberty, which emphasizes the absence of external constraints, and positive liberty, which focuses on the expansion of opportunities for self-expression. Negative liberty, also known as “freedom from,” advocates for the establishment of an inviolable area where individuals can act without interference from external authorities. The size and content of this area are subjects of ongoing debate, as a larger area allows for more freedom while ensuring human dignity remains uncompromised....

FAQs – Chapter 2: Freedom Class 11 Notes

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