HUL 258 ASSIGNMENT
DEEPAK VIRMANI - 2020ME10929
TOPIC - FREEDOM
Introduction
Freedom is a concept that has been discussed by philosophers for centuries. It is a
fundamental value that has been the subject of debates on its meaning, scope, and
limitations. At its core, freedom is about the ability of individuals to act and make choices
without external constraints. This term paper aims to examine the concept of freedom
and provide insights from famous philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel
Kant, and John Stuart Mill.
What is Freedom?
Freedom is a complex concept that has different meanings depending on the context and
perspective. It is generally defined as the ability of individuals to act and make choices
without external constraints. In the political realm, freedom is associated with
democracy, human rights, and individual autonomy. In the economic sphere, freedom is
linked to free markets, competition, and entrepreneurship.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau on Freedom
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a French philosopher who lived in the 18th century. He is
known for his work on political philosophy and his ideas about the social contract.
Rousseau believed that freedom is a natural right that is inherent in all human beings.
He argued that individuals are born free, but society and its institutions, such as the
state, religion, and property, impose constraints on their freedom.
Rousseau believed that the social contract, which is an implicit agreement among
individuals to form a society and obey its laws, should be based on the principle of the
general will. The general will is the common interest of the people as a whole, and it
should be the basis for making laws and decisions in a just society. According to
Rousseau, individual freedom is not absolute, but it is limited by the general will. The
general will ensures that individual freedom is not used to harm others or to
undermine the common good.
Immanuel Kant on Freedom
Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher who lived in the 18th century. He is known
for his work on ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology. Kant believed that freedom is a
fundamental concept that is necessary for morality and human dignity. He argued that
freedom is not a natural right, but it is a necessary condition for the moral law.
Kant believed that freedom is the ability of individuals to act according to the moral
law, which is a universal principle that applies to all rational beings. He argued that
the moral law is based on the principle of autonomy, which is the ability of individuals
to legislate their own moral principles. According to Kant, individual freedom is not
limited by external constraints, but it is self-imposed by the moral law.
John Stuart Mill on Freedom
John Stuart Mill was a British philosopher who lived in the 19th century. He is known
for his work on political philosophy, ethics, and economics. Mill believed that freedom
is a fundamental value that is necessary for human flourishing and the progress of
society. He argued that individual freedom is essential for creativity, innovation, and
diversity of ideas.
Mill believed in the principle of harm, which states that the only purpose for which
power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community is to
prevent harm to others. According to Mill, individual freedom should be limited only
when it harms others or when it poses a threat to public safety and order. He believed
that individuals should have the freedom to express their opinions, pursue their own
interests, and live according to their own preferences, as long as they do not harm
others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, freedom is a complex concept that has been discussed by philosophers for
centuries. Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that individual freedom should be limited by
the general will, Immanuel Kant argued that individual freedom is self-imposed by the
moral law, and John Stuart Mill believed that individual freedom is essential for human
flourishing and the progress of society. Despite their differences, these philosophers