John Locke's Definition Of Freedom
Freedom is the ability of a person to make decisions regarding their day to day life, without being restrained or limited by another person. It is the ability where people have the say in their daily actions, express their views, and possess independent decisions, without limitation from other people, institutions or society at large. Liberty is freedom that an individual or group enjoys as a result of absence of oppression or limitations that limit one’s ability to participate in independent thoughts, actions or views. Liberty is basically where people can practice their freedom rights that are controlled and benefit a society as a whole. Locke’s definition of freedom is linked to the rights that a person possesses within the society. These include the right to health, life, property and liberty. My definition of freedom is individual power to possess thoughts, actions and views, without restraint from society or institutions. My definition of freedom is similar to Locke’s definition since we both discuss individual free will as the basis of freedom. Locke’s definition of freedom involves is slightly different since it is limited to free will on the basis of health,
…show more content…
life, property and liberty. My definition of freedom is slightly narrower as it constrained to expression, thought process and actions, as opposed to material things such as property, and life, which Locke addresses in his definition.
Locke’s view on liberty is the ability to be free from superior powers on earth, including law-making authority.
However, he explains that people give up liberty to the state in order to safeguard their rights. He further explains that most humans are not concerned with justice and equity and that without the presence of institutions that safeguard human rights, people would attack each other. My definition of liberty is the absence of oppression or limitation to human thoughts, actions and views. This is consistent with Locke’s definition, which focuses on freedom from superior forces on earth such as institutions which regulate individual freedom. However, Locke further clarifies the importance of giving up liberty to the state or authority, whereas I do not explain this in my
definition.
John Locke argues that freedom and liberty are very different things. Locke argues that freedom is limited to rights that one possesses whereas liberty is linked to freedom from superior powers in society. I agree with this definition as freedoms are usually constrained to the rights that a person has and is able to enjoy in society. These include the right to life, own property, health and liberty as explained by Locke. Moreover, my view of liberty is that ability to exercise freedom without restriction. Since in society, superior powers such as the authorities are tasked with limiting individual freedom, then ‘freedom from superior powers’ as stated by Locke, is consistent with my views on liberty. The constitution was created based on ideas, among others, those expressed by Locke. He expressed views on freedom and liberty where he stated that governments should emphasize equality for citizens, but not at the expense of restricting their liberty. Locke explained that democratic governments need to balance these two conflicting ideals. The creators of the US constitution crafted it with the aim of achieving the delicate balances discussed by Locke. Specifically, they strived to balance liberty and equality, and liberty and order. The success of the drafters of the constitution in embodying Locke’s values is seen in the continuing effort to improve them, including the goal to protect individual rights and freedoms, in the modern day and age.
life, property and liberty. My definition of freedom is slightly narrower as it constrained to expression, thought process and actions, as opposed to material things such as property, and life, which Locke addresses in his definition.
Locke’s view on liberty is the ability to be free from superior powers on earth, including law-making authority.
However, he explains that people give up liberty to the state in order to safeguard their rights. He further explains that most humans are not concerned with justice and equity and that without the presence of institutions that safeguard human rights, people would attack each other. My definition of liberty is the absence of oppression or limitation to human thoughts, actions and views. This is consistent with Locke’s definition, which focuses on freedom from superior forces on earth such as institutions which regulate individual freedom. However, Locke further clarifies the importance of giving up liberty to the state or authority, whereas I do not explain this in my
definition.
John Locke argues that freedom and liberty are very different things. Locke argues that freedom is limited to rights that one possesses whereas liberty is linked to freedom from superior powers in society. I agree with this definition as freedoms are usually constrained to the rights that a person has and is able to enjoy in society. These include the right to life, own property, health and liberty as explained by Locke. Moreover, my view of liberty is that ability to exercise freedom without restriction. Since in society, superior powers such as the authorities are tasked with limiting individual freedom, then ‘freedom from superior powers’ as stated by Locke, is consistent with my views on liberty. The constitution was created based on ideas, among others, those expressed by Locke. He expressed views on freedom and liberty where he stated that governments should emphasize equality for citizens, but not at the expense of restricting their liberty. Locke explained that democratic governments need to balance these two conflicting ideals. The creators of the US constitution crafted it with the aim of achieving the delicate balances discussed by Locke. Specifically, they strived to balance liberty and equality, and liberty and order. The success of the drafters of the constitution in embodying Locke’s values is seen in the continuing effort to improve them, including the goal to protect individual rights and freedoms, in the modern day and age.