Distinguish Between Negative and Positive Freedom and Their Implications on the State

Freedom, individual liberty, is one of the main cores of Liberalism. However freedom can be decided into two categories, positive and negative. Negative freedom is associated to Classic Liberalism, the believe of non-interference from the government among the economy and citizens. However negative free does not mean that the individual is not restricted by common laws but as J.S Mill said that the freedom should be unlimited as long that it doesn’t make the individual harm others. On the other hand Positive freedom is associated to Modern Liberals. This time instead of allowance freedom of the person and protection of their personal sphere from , it is emphasised they try to make develop the individual skills so they can achieve their goals. So its more about the personal development. The distinction was made by Isaiah Berlin.

Positive freedom, is an evolution of negative freedom as some ideologist such as Isaiah Berlin believe that to achieve true equality external influence is needed. Therefore it overrides this egoistical idea in Negative Freedom, and enrages people to develop their individualism. Berlin understood that this freedom being restricted isn’t true liberalism because the individual couldn’t develop their personal skills and therefore stay where they were and not be able to be an equal to someone who is given to chance to grow in a wealthier family, or good education. It creates inequality even though they're born free men that doesn’t mean that they are equal when they grow older.

The Negative Freedom, is the straight opposite of Positive Freedom and avoid any external influence. Therefore, the individual is free from any constraint. Also the law makes all individual equal to make sure that no difference is made and that they are all seen as the same at the eye of the law. Also it is Classical Liberalism therefore it creates favouritism on the individual freedom so technically people are allowed to make racist comment because they’re free men. Also the state is supposed to do laissez-faire with the economy and that the only integration they have with is to make sure that agreement between both parties are respected, if not then its when the state gets involved in. Adam Smith was a great believer of this free market idea as he thinks that the individual is the one mostly aware of the situation and knows what is the best for him. Ton conclude with Adam Smith, he also believed that in negative freedom that wages

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