Negative and Positive Freedom

Individual freedom is often seen as the core value of Liberalism.

Nevertheless, freedom can be divided into two categories: negative and

positive. Negative freedom, which is traditionally associated with

Classical Liberalism, advocates the belief in non-interference, the

absence of all external constraints upon the individual. This implies

that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests free

from outside restrictions or pressures. Nonetheless, negative freedom

does not mean that individuals should have absolute and unrestricted

freedom. Classical liberals, such as J.S. Mill, believe that if

freedom is unlimited it can lead to “license”, namely the right to

harm others or to infringe their “natural” rights to “life, liberty

and property”. In this way, Classical Liberals often support minimal

restrictions on the individual so as to prevent individuals from

inflicting harm upon each other. However, it should be borne in mind

that Classical Liberals do not accept any constraints upon the

individual that prevent him from damaging himself, physically or

mentally, since the individual still remains sovereign. Such a view of

freedom means that classical liberals generally advocate the

establishment of a minimal or “nightwatch” state, whose role is

limited to the protection of individuals from other individuals. Tom

Paine described the state as a “necessary evil”. It is necessary in

that it establishes order and security and ensures that contracts are

carried out. Yet, it is “evil” since it enforces collective will upon

society, thus constraining individual freedom. Negative freedom also

supports economic freedom. Classical Li...

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...cting beliefs and interests should be

free to develop, pluralism and toleration allow these groups to

co-exist peacefully, accepting each other’s different beliefs.

Toleration and pluralism thus allow humans, who are all unique and

individual, to express their various beliefs and ideologies freely

within society.

It should also be noted that Liberals support pluralism since it

promotes distribution of political power. With power widely and evenly

dispersed in society, rather than concentrated in the hands of the

elite, pluralism complements democracy and ensures that those in

charge respect the concerns and interests of the individual.

In conclusion, it can be seen that pluralism and toleration are widely

supported by liberals since they promote individual sovereignty whilst

benefiting society at the same time.