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Flip to reveal answersNegative liberty?
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All 8 Flashcards — Positive vs negative liberty
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Question
Negative liberty?
Answer
Being free FROM interference — you're free to the extent that no one blocks, forces or coerces you.
Question
Positive liberty?
Answer
Being free TO become your true self — having the resources and self-mastery to actually live the life you'd choose.
Question
The unlocked-door example?
Answer
A door with no lock is 'free', but worthless if you're too weak to walk through it — negative liberty without positive liberty.
Question
What does each view say the state should do?
Answer
Negative: keep off people's backs. Positive: may act (schooling, healthcare) so people can genuinely flourish.
Question
How do the two liberties conflict?
Answer
Helping some flourish (positive) often means taxing and regulating others — cutting THEIR negative liberty.
Question
Self-mastery?
Answer
Being in charge of your own life rather than pushed around by poverty, ignorance or your own worst impulses — the heart of positive liberty.
Question
The danger in positive liberty (Go further)?
Answer
A ruler can claim to know your 'true self' and force you 'for your own good' — twisting freedom into control.
Question
Freedom in one line — both senses?
Answer
Real freedom needs the SPACE to choose (negative) AND the POWER to act on your choice (positive).
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Full study notes for Positive vs negative liberty
Topic 7.3 hub
Liberty and rights
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