Core idea
Freedom concerns the ability to act and develop without unjustified constraints. Negative liberty asks what interference should be removed; positive liberty asks what conditions enable people to exercise agency. The harm principle associated with John Stuart Mill is one argument about when restricting action may be justified.
Key terms
liberty; constraint; harm principle; negative liberty; positive liberty
How to build an answer
Define the concept, state the principle or argument, apply it to a concrete example and consider a limitation or competing claim. Use examples to clarify the concept, not to replace reasoning.
Practice
- Use an example to distinguish non-interference from the conditions needed to use a freedom.
- Give a real or hypothetical example that illustrates the concept.
- State one reasonable objection or limitation and explain how you would respond.