In common parlance, liberty is often understood as the freedom to act as one pleases, signifying the absence of external constraints on an individual’s conduct. However, within the realm of political science, it encompasses more than just the absence of restraints; unrestricted liberty, in fact, veers into the realm of license.
According to political theorist Laski, liberty can be defined as an “atmosphere in which men have the opportunity to be their best selves.” This atmosphere is cultivated by maintaining specific societal conditions that facilitate the fullest development of an individual’s capabilities. These essential conditions are commonly referred to as rights, and it is through the prism of rights that liberty truly takes shape. Without rights, liberty remains an abstract and hollow concept, for true freedom necessitates a person’s ability to think and act independently. It is through the exercise of these rights that an individual can unfetteredly nurture their intellectual, emotional, and sensory potential. In the absence of these rights, one is reduced to a state akin to slavery. In essence, liberty is a positive concept intrinsically linked to the concept of rights.
Liberty Is Within Society and the State
Given that rights can only be realized within society, liberty is inexorably tied to the state. An environment of liberty can only be fostered when the state ensures and guarantees these rights to individuals. Liberty, therefore, takes on a legal dimension. As a consequence of its legal underpinning, absolute or unconditional liberty becomes untenable. While every individual ought to enjoy freedom, this very principle implies that no one can enjoy absolute freedom. Unrestricted liberty may empower the strong to subjugate the weak, which underscores the necessity for the state to impose certain limitations on individual freedoms through its laws. Consequently, liberty inherently encompasses restraints, as it does not entail the complete absence thereof.
It is crucial to note that not every restraint is justifiable solely by virtue of its state imposition. The restrictions imposed by the state must, as Laski points out, “embody an experience I can follow and, in general, accept.” For instance, individuals do not feel that their liberty is unreasonably curtailed because they are prohibited from committing murder or from driving their vehicles on the wrong side of the road. These rules are rooted in the collective will of society. In other words, the restrictions should align with the will of those they affect. Well-conceived and directed state actions, therefore, serve to enhance, rather than diminish, individual freedom by eliminating obstacles to the enjoyment of rights.
Lastly, another facet of liberty must be considered. It has been stated that genuine liberty cannot exist without equality. According to modern political thinkers like Laski, if a society harbors special privileges for some, if one individual’s liberty depends on another, or if the state’s actions are biased, true liberty remains elusive. These three conditions fundamentally underpin inequality. A society marked by economic and social disparities cannot provide equal opportunities for the development of all its members. Consequently, an atmosphere of liberty fails to materialize in such a context.
Points to Ponder on the Multifaceted Nature of Liberty
Liberty gives you freedom of action, and rights to perform your duties within certain rules approved and managed by the state.
- Freedom of Action: It entails the freedom of individuals to act as they choose within certain boundaries, without undue external constraints. It allows people to make choices, pursue their goals, and engage in activities without unwarranted interference.
- Rights-Based: It is closely linked to the concept of rights. It is the product of rights that individuals possess, which protect their autonomy and enable them to exercise their freedoms. These rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and property rights, are the foundation of liberty.
- Positive and Negative Aspects: It encompasses both positive and negative dimensions. Positive liberty refers to the capacity of individuals to fulfill their potential, while negative liberty emphasizes the absence of external coercion or restrictions on one’s actions.
- Dependence on Society and the State: Liberty is not isolated but dependent on society and the state. It is within the framework of societal norms and legal structures that individuals can exercise their rights and freedoms. The state plays a crucial role in safeguarding and guaranteeing these rights.
- Not Absolute: True liberty is not absolute or unconditioned. Unrestricted liberty can lead to the exploitation of the weak by the strong. Therefore, the state imposes certain limitations on individual freedom through laws and regulations to maintain a just and equitable society.
- Equality and Liberty: Liberty is closely tied to the idea of equality. In a society marked by special privileges, dependencies, or biases, genuine liberty is compromised. For liberty to thrive, equal opportunities and treatment for all individuals are essential.