Q1. What is Liberty? Explain.
- Liberty is the state of being free from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority.
- Isaiah Berlin distinguished between Negative Liberty (freedom from) and Positive Liberty (freedom to).
- Negative Liberty means absence of external interference, coercion, or restraint on actions.
- Positive Liberty means capacity for self-mastery, autonomy, and self-realization; often requires enabling conditions.
Answer: Liberty, a cornerstone concept in political theory, fundamentally refers to the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views. It encompasses the ability of an individual to act without undue external constraints, making choices and pursuing goals according to their own will. Historically, the concept of liberty has evolved significantly. In ancient societies, liberty was often associated with the status o...