LIB freedom/liberty

• Liberals agree on WHY humans deserve freedom - rational
• Liberals agree humans should have freedom of action until a point of harm but disagree on the definition of harm
• Liberals disagree widely on the state's role in protecting freedom
• Classical - egotistical individualism -> humans seek to create harmony with others as it is the best path to their own success
• Classical - want a minimal state so not much protection of freedoms, instead negative freedoms
• Classical - much wider freedom of action, Mill's harm principle has almost no limits on freedom of expression as would inhibit innovation
• Modern - developmental individualism, humans want to see wider societal progress and actively support others to do so
• Modern - positive freedoms, T.H Green
• Modern - advocate for a larger state role in protecting freedoms; without state intervention, freedom will only be enjoyed by the privileged in society
• Modern - much wider breadth on what constitutes harm, including psychological and emotional harm so set limits on speech and actions that could cause harm e.g. hate speech legislation
• Classical - Locke says freedom is a "natural right" and humans are born in "perfect freedom". Social contract theory - state should respect freedoms to maintain the people's consent
• Modern - Wollstonecraft advocates for formal equality and social contract. Freedom is the ultimate goal for humans
• Modern - J.S. Mill says that individual liberty is essential for the development of the community
• Modern - Rawls' veil of ignorance advocates for justice and fairness as well as an enabling state
• Modern - Friedan advocates for the emancipation of women and freedom is vital to reach your potential