Concept of Liberty​

Meaning of Liberty​
Defining liberty in a precise and universally acceptable manner is challenging, as it has
been interpreted differently by various political philosophers. Broadly, liberty can be
described as the capacity of individuals to exercise their rights and freedoms, living in
equality. The term “liberty” originates from the Latin word liber, meaning free or
self-reliant. It is a vital concept for the growth and development of individuals, and
history is replete with wars and revolutions fought to eliminate the enemies of liberty.

Liberty (absolute) signifies the unrestricted freedom of an individual to act according to

their will —can lead to the exploitation of weaker segments of society by stronger ones.
Thus, it is essential to complement negative liberty—freedom from external
interference—with positive liberty, which ensures equal opportunities for all members of
society to develop and flourish.​
​
Concept of Liberty​
​
Liberty, or freedom, is regarded as one of the most significant concepts in political
philosophy. It has been a central goal of liberalism, with the liberal school of thought
dedicated to its protection and promotion. Freedom, meanwhile, is celebrated as a
universal principle, valued not only by liberals but also by idealists and Marxists. While
these schools of thought agree on the importance of freedom, they differ in their
approaches to achieving it.

Philosophies such as authoritarianism, absolutism, and systems rooted in slavery have

historically promoted submission to authority as the means for individuals to realize
freedom within society. This perspective, often serving the interests of privileged
classes, has been consistently challenged by advocates of liberty. Revolutionary
struggles throughout history—against despotic rulers, oppressive regimes, and foreign
domination—have frequently been driven by the ideal of liberty.

The concept of liberty gains further significance from its connection to the principle of
equality. In various struggles for freedom, including peasant revolts and independence
movements, the oppressed have consistently sought justice and equality grounded in
the belief in universal human rights. The demand for liberty has thus often gone hand in
hand with aspirations for a fair and just society.

Nature of Liberty
Liberty is a concept that captivates universal attention, as human life is inconceivable
without its presence. This section examines the nature of liberty by exploring its
relationship with human beings through two perspectives: (a) liberty as a quality of
human beings, and (b) liberty as a condition of human existence.

Freedom is often regarded as an inherent quality of human beings. Unlike other species
on Earth, humans possess the unique capacity for freedom. While animals, birds, and
insects are primarily engaged in the struggle for survival, human beings distinguish
themselves by pursuing goals beyond mere existence. Animals are constrained and
governed by nature, whereas humans have learned to harness nature to their advantage.
Through the acquisition of scientific knowledge and an understanding of natural laws,
humans have cultivated freedom as a defining quality, enabling progress and the
advancement of civilization.

The nature of liberty becomes clearer when viewed as a condition of human existence
characterized by the absence of constraints( internal and external) but in politics, the
focus—external constraints. From this perspective, liberty implies minimal interference
by the state in the lives of individuals. It is commonly understood as the absence of
restraint, allowing people to exercise their freedom. However, such an unrestricted view
of liberty can pose a threat to the stability and existence of the state.

A balanced understanding of liberty frames it as a supportive environment conducive to

the holistic development of all individuals. This environment is regulated by established
laws and guided by social principles, ensuring that liberty promotes growth while
maintaining order and harmony within society.

Negative and Positive Liberty

In modern political thought, the concepts of negative liberty and positive liberty have
been extensively discussed and propagated by various Western scholars. Advocates of
negative liberty include figures such as John Locke, Jeremy Bentham, Thomas
Jefferson, Edmund Burke, Adam Smith, J.S. Mill, Isaiah Berlin, Robert Nozick, and Milton
Friedman. They define negative liberty as the absence of external restraints. Isaiah
Berlin, in his influential essay Two Concepts of Liberty, distinguishes between negative
and positive liberty. Negative liberty pertains to an individual’s private sphere, where one
can act without interference from others, while positive liberty involves having the
power and resources to achieve fundamental goals within the structural framework of
society.

Human beings, considered rational creatures, rely on liberty as a vital condition for life.
From this perspective, liberty allows individuals to use their reasoning capabilities to
discern what is beneficial for themselves and the society they inhabit. Negative liberty
implies the removal of all constraints on human action, emphasizing the need for an
environment where individuals can freely pursue their affairs. Proponents of negative
liberty, such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, William of Ockham, J.S. Mill, and the
Libertarian movement, advocate for minimizing legal restrictions, arguing that only
essential and practical laws should exist, ensuring minimal interference in individual
lives.

However, absolute freedom from external constraints is neither feasible nor desirable. In
many cases, individuals face limitations beyond their control, such as illness or other
personal challenges, which hinder their ability to act as they wish. This highlights the
dual nature of human beings as both rational and emotional creatures. Positive liberty,
in this context, seeks to eliminate internal constraints and create conditions that offer
equal opportunities for individuals to fulfill their life’s purpose.

To ensure positive liberty, the state must take proactive measures to improve societal
conditions. Proponents of positive liberty, such as Plato, Immanuel Kant, Epictetus, Karl
Marx, and Christian theologians, emphasize the importance of strict laws to prevent
irrational or harmful actions. Positive liberty thus involves fostering an environment
where individuals not only have freedom from interference but also the means and
capabilities to achieve meaningful self-realization.

Different Aspects of Liberty

Liberty is often understood as the “absence of restraint.” In this context, the term
implies that the state should not interfere unnecessarily in how individuals conduct their
lives or affairs. However, it is essential to recognize that the absence of restraint does
not equate to a lack of regulation. In any society, regulating individual actions is
necessary to prevent conflicts and maintain order.

The idea of “absence of restraint” refers to avoiding unnecessary restrictions that could
impede a person’s progress and development, while ensuring essential regulations are
in place to facilitate the smooth functioning of society. Liberty encompasses various
dimensions, such as natural liberty, civil liberty, and economic liberty, each addressing
specific aspects of individual freedom and its role in societal dynamics.

Natural Liberty
Natural liberty refers to the absence of any form of restraint, where individuals are free
to exercise their will without obligations or limitations. In this sense, it represents
unrestrained freedom to act as one wishes. Professor R.N. Gilchrist defines natural
liberty as an unscientific use of freedom that exists beyond any form of restriction or
obligation. He observes that defining natural liberty in a universally accepted manner is
challenging because individuals in a society often have varying interpretations of it.
Consequently, Gilchrist argues that natural liberty has been used inconsistently and
lacks a coherent definition, effectively allowing individuals unlimited freedom to
conduct their affairs as they please.

In practice, natural liberty often resembles a license rather than genuine liberty, as it
implies complete freedom without regulation. This notion can be likened to wild animals
in a jungle, acting without constraints. Similarly, under the concept of natural liberty,
human beings would be free to act entirely on their will, with no restrictions on their
behavior or decisions.

However, natural liberty is fundamentally rooted in the use of force, where individuals
assert their will without regard for others. John Locke, a prominent advocate of the
state of nature, argued that people inherently possessed rights to life, liberty, and
property in this state. Yet, this idea has been criticized as politically untenable since
rights are granted and protected by the state. Without the existence of a state, the
concept of rights becomes meaningless, as there are no institutional mechanisms to
uphold them.

In the absence of a state, individuals in the state of nature possess no rights but rely on
raw power for survival. J.J. Rousseau famously remarked, “Man is born free, but
everywhere he is in chains,” highlighting the paradox of natural liberty. While humans
may have been free in a state of nature devoid of laws or governance, such freedom is
chaotic and lacks structure. For true development and regulation, humans must
establish a system of governance where their rights are protected, and necessary
restraints are imposed to ensure order and allow individuals to thrive within a cohesive
society.

Civil Liberty
Civil liberty, rooted in the concept of the rule of law, encompasses various freedoms
essential for individual and societal well-being. As outlined by Barker in Principles of
Social and Political Theory (1951), civil liberty can be categorized into three key aspects:

1.​ Physical freedom: Protection from injury, pain, or threats to life and well-being.
2.​ Intellectual freedom: The liberty to express one’s beliefs and thoughts.
3.​ Freedom of contract: The ability to voluntarily enter into agreements with mutual
benefit.

Physical Freedom
The first aspect, physical freedom, is largely uncontroversial. Everyone should have the
right to move freely without unnecessary restrictions or restraints. However, in cases
involving public safety or legal concerns, certain conditions may be imposed. Physical
harm to individuals should only occur as prescribed by law and as a consequence of
unlawful actions, ensuring fairness and justice.

Intellectual Freedom
The second aspect, intellectual freedom, emphasizes the liberty to express thoughts
and beliefs. J.S. Mill, in his seminal essay On Liberty (1859), underscores the
importance of this freedom for both individual and societal progress. Mill argues that
human beings, as rational and progressive creatures, require open discourse to seek
and refine knowledge. Freedom of speech facilitates the exchange of ideas, allowing
society to challenge existing norms and improve accumulated knowledge.

Mill also highlights the need for vigilance against established institutions and policies,
advocating for the expression of unpopular opinions to ensure accountability and
prevent stagnation. Open discussion not only nurtures individual growth but also
strengthens democratic principles by enabling constructive criticism and reform.

Freedom of Contract
The third aspect, freedom of contract, allows individuals to voluntarily engage in
agreements for mutual benefit. While generally beneficial, this freedom can lead to
exploitation when one party holds disproportionate power. Thinkers like L.T. Hobhouse
have argued for regulatory controls to prevent abuse, ensuring fairness and limiting
inequality within such agreements.

The Role of Law in Civil Liberty

Civil liberty, as a compilation of these three aspects, must be safeguarded by law.
Protecting these freedoms is a cornerstone of liberal democracy, ensuring that
individuals can thrive within a framework that promotes equality, justice, and progress.

Political Liberty
Civil liberty pertains to personal freedoms, while political liberty is the right of
individuals to participate in the governance and administration of their society as
citizens. Political liberty empowers people to influence the affairs of the state, primarily
through the right to vote and elect their government.

William Blackstone (1723–80) defined political liberty as the power of citizens to

restrain a government that fails to meet their needs, viewing the government as an
external authority. However, in modern democracies, where governments are elected by
the people, political liberty takes on a broader and more nuanced meaning. It signifies
the right of citizens to both establish and oversee the government, ensuring it remains
accountable.

Ernest Barker, in his Principles of Social and Political Theory (1951), describes political
liberty as the freedom to participate in governance through mechanisms like universal
adult suffrage. Citizens are free to vote as per their choice and express their opinions
through open dialogue and debate, thereby shaping public policies and holding their
leaders accountable.

Core Principles of Political Liberty

Proponents of political liberty emphasize the right of citizens to engage in
decision-making processes and freely express their views on governance. This involves:

1.​ Electing the government: Citizens can vote for their representatives without
coercion.
 2.​ Controlling the government: By freely discussing public policies and sharing
opinions, individuals ensure that the government remains responsive to societal
needs.

Such participation fosters a government that is compassionate and adaptive to the

ever-changing social environment.

Challenges to Achieving Substantive Political Liberty

While political liberty offers citizens the theoretical ability to participate in governance,
realizing substantive freedom through it can be challenging due to several factors:

1.​ Concentration of Power: Elites and privileged groups often leverage their wealth
and influence to dominate elections, undermining the democratic process.
2.​ Control of Mass Communication: Media and communication platforms are
frequently monopolized by powerful individuals or corporations, skewing public
opinion and limiting access to unbiased information.

In this context, the ordinary citizen’s ability to exercise meaningful political liberty is
diminished. Ensuring true political liberty requires addressing these structural
inequalities and creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of their social
or economic status, can participate fully and freely in the democratic process.

Economic Liberty
Economic liberty refers to the rights and freedoms of individuals engaged in productive
occupations, services, or economic activities. According to Ernest Barker, aspects of
economic liberty are inherently linked to civil liberties. However, economic liberty is a
complex and multifaceted concept, as it encompasses various relationships within the
economic domain, such as those between tenant and landlord, worker and employer,
and consumer and trader. Each group interprets economic liberty differently, often
leading to conflicts over its meaning and application.

Conflicts in Economic Liberty

Economic liberty is challenging to define universally because the interests of different
parties often clash:

●​ Some groups emphasize the freedom to maximize profits.

 ●​ Others advocate for fair wages, reasonable working hours, affordable housing,
and equitable treatment.

These conflicting perspectives highlight the need to protect the interests of weaker
groups while limiting the dominance of powerful parties. Balancing these interests is
crucial to upholding the principles of liberty without compromising equality.

Economic Liberty and Equality

R.H. Tawney, in his book Equality (1938), argues that liberty is not limited to civil and
political rights but also includes economic rights, which are vital for ensuring equality in
society. Safeguarding the economic rights of vulnerable groups is essential to prevent
exploitation and maintain social justice. This involves regulating key aspects of
economic life to create a fair and equitable system.

The Interplay of Positive and Negative Liberty

Economic liberty is a domain where positive liberty (freedom enabled by societal
structures and resources) and negative liberty (freedom from interference) often come
into conflict.

●​ Negative liberty may prioritize minimal government interference, allowing market

forces to operate freely.
●​ Positive liberty emphasizes the need for regulations and protections to ensure
equitable opportunities and rights for all, particularly for marginalized groups.

To give meaningful substance to the principles of liberty, it is essential to safeguard the

economic interests of weaker sections of society. A balanced approach is necessary to
reconcile the tension between equality and liberty, ensuring that economic rights
contribute to a fair and just social order.

National Liberty
National liberty refers to the freedom and independence of a nation to govern itself
without external interference. It stands in direct opposition to imperialism and
colonialism, emphasizing a state’s right to self-determination and self-governance. This
principle, often referred to as national sovereignty, asserts that a nation should be free
from foreign domination and adhere to the principles of sovereignty. The importance of
national liberty is encapsulated in the words inscribed on the Central Secretariat
building in New Delhi, India:​
“Liberty does not descend upon a person. People must raise themselves to liberty. Liberty
is a blessing that must be earned to be enjoyed.”

Just as individuals are entitled to freedom, nations too have the right to liberty. A nation
that is free from both internal and external control adheres to the values of national
liberty. Historically, many countries in the Global South were subjected to colonial rule,
denying them this freedom. Nations like India waged significant struggles against
imperial powers to achieve independence and establish their sovereignty.

A liberated nation enjoys the freedom to manage its internal social, political, and
economic affairs while maintaining autonomy in foreign policies and international
relations. This independence ensures that no nation can unjustly interfere with or
dominate another. For instance, prior to 1947, India was under British colonial rule,
deprived of its national liberty. The Indian independence movement was marked by
immense sacrifices from freedom fighters, whose efforts ultimately led to India’s
emergence as a sovereign nation.

However, national liberty is not without limits. It must be exercised responsibly,

respecting the sovereignty of other nations. Powerful countries cannot exploit or
dominate weaker ones. Instead, national liberty should foster cooperation and mutual
respect among nations, promoting global harmony while safeguarding individual
sovereignty.

Religious Liberty
Religion is a significant factor that shapes an individual’s life and worldview. Many
states uphold the principle of religious freedom, ensuring that citizens can practice their
beliefs without interference. Secular states adopt a neutral stance on religion, allowing
diverse communities the freedom to exercise their religious rights without intrusion. In
contrast, authoritarian regimes often deny religious liberty, leaving various groups
unable to freely practice or embrace their faith and beliefs.

In modern society, religion is widely regarded as a personal matter, with the state
expected to remain uninvolved. Governments are generally prohibited from imposing
any single religion on the diverse communities within their borders. For example, in
communist states, individuals may have the right to follow their chosen religion privately
but are often restricted from publicly propagating their faith.
Despite the importance of religious freedom, it is essential to regulate certain religious
practices to maintain harmony within society. No single religion should be allowed to
dictate public policies or undermine the rule of law. When conflicts arise between
religious practices and societal laws, it becomes necessary for the legislature and
judiciary to take balanced actions. These actions should respect the religious beliefs of
various communities while upholding the rights and interests of others.

Therefore, governments must carefully consider the rights of all communities when
accommodating sincere religious practices, ensuring that no group is marginalized
while maintaining social order and legal integrity.

Personal Liberty
Personal liberty refers to the freedom of an individual to act according to their own will
without interference or restraint. One of its notable advocates, F.A. Hayek, described
personal liberty as a condition where individuals are free to exercise their choices
without coercion from others or the state. He emphasized that personal liberty thrives in
a society with minimal restrictions on individual actions.

Every individual has the right to lead a private life free from external interference. This
includes freedoms such as choosing what to eat, how to dress, where to travel, whom to
marry, and whether to have children. In this sense, personal liberty is essential for the
empowerment and development of individuals within society. Thinkers like J.S. Mill
have argued that an individual is inherently sovereign over themselves, and thus, the
state should refrain from intervening in personal matters.

However, some scholars contend that personal liberty must be balanced with
consideration for the rights and interests of others. Absolute freedom for one individual
should not infringe upon the liberty of others. Personal liberty, therefore, is not
limitless—it must exist within the framework of societal norms and mutual respect.

This balance underscores the connection between personal and social liberty. While
personal liberty allows individuals to live freely, it must coexist harmoniously with the
collective rights and freedoms of society. Recognizing this interplay ensures that liberty
is enjoyed responsibly and equitably by all.

Safeguards of Liberty
Liberty is fundamental to the emancipation and development of human beings, making
its protection a matter of utmost importance. As Harold J. Laski emphasized, certain
principles are essential to safeguarding liberty:

1.​ Equality of Opportunity: Liberty cannot coexist with special privileges for any
section of society. Freedom requires that no group enjoys unfair advantages over
others.
2.​ Incompatibility with Privilege: Special privileges and liberty are inherently
contradictory and cannot function together in a just society.
3.​ Protection of the Weak: Liberty is unattainable in a society where the rights of
weaker sections are dominated or suppressed by stronger groups.
4.​ State Intervention: In certain situations, state intervention is necessary to protect
and ensure the preservation of liberty.

Below are key safeguards that are essential to protecting liberty:

1. Proper Education

Education empowers individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities. Without

knowledge, people cannot effectively safeguard their freedom. Awareness of one’s
rights is the foundation of true liberty.

2. Eternal Vigilance

As Bryce aptly stated, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Constant awareness and
vigilance against any actions that threaten freedom are vital. Citizens must stay
informed and proactive to prevent the erosion of their liberty.

3. Democratic Governance

Liberty thrives in a democratic system where governments are elected by the people
and accountable to them. In democracies, individuals are free to express opinions and
criticize the government, unlike in dictatorships or monarchies, where freedom of
thought and expression is often suppressed.

4. Cooperation Between State and Citizens

A cooperative relationship between citizens and the government is crucial for
maintaining peace and safeguarding liberty. Citizens must adhere to lawful regulations
designed to protect society, ensuring harmony and collective freedom.

5. Separation of Powers

The division of state powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary is essential
for protecting liberty. As Montesquieu argued, liberty cannot be safeguarded without
this separation, as it prevents the concentration of power and promotes accountability.

6. Fundamental Rights

Fundamental rights form the backbone of liberty. They create the necessary conditions
for freedom and must be enshrined in a democratic constitution. These rights must also
be accompanied by provisions ensuring their protection. Liberty and rights are
interdependent; one cannot exist without the other.

7. Rule of Law

The rule of law ensures that all individuals are equal before the law, with no one above
it. Harold J. Laski emphasized that liberty is best protected when society is governed by
laws rather than the arbitrary will of individuals.

8. Decentralization of Power

Centralized power can lead to authoritarianism, which poses a threat to liberty.

Decentralization at central, state, and local levels prevents excessive concentration of
authority, ensuring that power is more equitably distributed.

9. Independence of the Judiciary

An independent judiciary is vital for upholding the rights and freedoms of individuals.
When liberty is violated, whether by individuals, organizations, or even the government,
an impartial judiciary can deliver justice and protect citizens’ rights.

By adhering to these principles, liberty can be preserved and protected, allowing

individuals to flourish in a free and just society.
Conclusion
Liberty is the freedom of individuals, groups, or communities to exercise their rights
without interference. It is a fundamental condition for personal and societal
development, allowing individuals to freely exercise their will. However, in certain
contexts, state intervention may be necessary to address inequalities and ensure
fairness in society. Thus, both positive liberty (freedom to act) and negative liberty
(freedom from interference) are crucial for the comprehensive emancipation of
individuals.

Liberty encompasses multiple dimensions, all of which are essential for true freedom.
These include:

●​ Civil Liberty: The freedom to live according to one’s own choices without undue
restrictions.
●​ Political Liberty: The right to participate in political processes and express one’s
opinions freely.
●​ Economic Liberty: The ability to pursue economic opportunities without unjust
restrictions.
●​ National Liberty: The sovereignty of a nation, enabling its people to exercise their
collective freedoms.

For example, during India’s colonial period, the absence of national liberty deprived
Indians of their fundamental rights and freedoms. National liberty is often the
foundation upon which other dimensions of liberty can be exercised.

True liberty can only be achieved when people are educated and equipped with
fundamental rights. Education empowers individuals to understand and protect their
freedoms, while vigilance ensures that governments are held accountable for actions
that may restrict liberty.

Liberty flourishes in a democratic system where individuals have the freedom to

express their views and participate in governance. In contrast, dictatorial regimes
suppress freedom, making it impossible for people to exercise civil, political, or
economic liberties. Democracy and liberty are inherently complementary, with
democracy serving as the most critical factor in safeguarding freedom.
By fostering education, promoting democracy, and respecting the multiple dimensions
of liberty, societies can create environments where individuals are truly free to thrive.