What is Freedom (How would you define it?)

[kjr99044]

Please define what you believe freedom means, and list some particulars.
This is not strictly a political question--it is also spiritual, which is why I put it in the spirit division! I searched for a similar thread!

What is freedom?
What is not freedom? (word misuse)

Answer the following questions only breifly (one or two sentences):

Who or what should be most free?
Who or what group -is- most free?
Who or what should be denied freedom(s)?
What limits ARE placed on freedom?
What limits ought to be placed on freedom?
What are the first principles of freedom - the axioms if you will?
What freedoms are impossible to violate?Where did freedom originate?
Why do people want to be free?

Rules:
This conversation assumes that truth is absolute.
Do not present ideas that promote Relativism (of truth) and moral relativism.
Any arguments (posts) should be proofread.
Present your own ideas. Provide links (or citations) if referencing another's ideas.

[sleepydragon]

This sound like an interesting conversation. I have a couple of questions. What is relativisin. Second, I have trouble "out putting" information or "learning disability", so it may look like I did not proof read, unless I concentrate really hard and triple check everything, and that kills the joy for me. So if you can relax that rule, I think this would be interesting.

[Luckystaff_]

Much ink has been spilled over the centuries on questions such as this. There is no definitive answer, nor should there be. Freedom is something which is entirely objective and depends entirely upon where one is coming from.

The dictionary definition of "freedom" includes phrases such as "being free of restraints" and "liberty from slavery, detention and oppression". It would be hard to argue against that. But, in modern society, is there really such freedom as can be described here? What if in practicing freedom by one person, the freedoms of others are then imposed upon? Who is then free?

Is it a free society if there are not, in fact, any restraints on behaviour? What is the difference between freedom and anarchy?

While it is difficult to describe what freedom is, it is much easier to point out what it is not. It is not an unlimited ability to do what one wants. All freedoms are and must be associated with certain limits in order to ensure that a vast majority of people enjoy the benefits of society. This website is a prime example. We all have the freedom to write out our thoughts, answer questions, state opinions, however, it all must be done within the ambit of the rules. Those rules are established to provide the maximum benefit for the most people without infringing on one's ability to comment.

Contrast that with something like, say, the United States Constitution, which on the whole is a wonderful work of law. However, by virtue of a failure to provide for limits, you have a proliferation of hate sites, newsletters and the proliferation of such "socially minded" groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the various neo-nazi groups that have come into existence over the past century. There are no limits, there are few guidelines and consequently it has taken the phrase "I may disagree with what you say but I will defend with my life your right to say it" (Voltaire?) to the extreme.

By limiting the rights of people in general, you provide the ability to allow a greater exchange of ideas by allowing more to participate in the discussions and in society in general without the fear of being shut down or shut out by the actions of a few. It is utilitarianism. The good of the one will not outweigh the good of the many. However, the good of the one must be protected by the many.

Freedom is not without limits. For without limits, the freedoms of the many will by the very nature of freedom, become limited. And the latter form of limitation is often referred to as oppression.

[halfbreedlover]

Please define what you believe freedom means, and list some particulars.
This is not strictly a political question--it is also spiritual, which is why I put it in the spirit division! I searched for a similar thread!

What is freedom?

Freedom is the ability to exercise inalienable, innate rights to all human beings. This freedom must be administered regardless of gender, race, economic background, ethnicity and sexual orientation.

What is not freedom? (word misuse)

"Separate but equal", although it may look like it, is not freedom. The draft is not freedom.

Answer the following questions only breifly (one or two sentences):

Who or what should be most free?

Everyone should be free. That sounds idealistic, but you asked for "what should".

Who or what group -is- most free?

The wealthy in all countries are very free, since money brings freedom. I'd say they might be the most free. Nature in it's purest sense (say there's no humans, no pollution) is pretty free, but in a different way, obviously, than the rich.

Who or what should be denied freedom(s)?

Murderers, thieves and rapists should not have the freedom to do what they do. To respond to a previous poster, not even hate groups should be oppressed. They can express themselves as long as they are not infringing on anyone else's rights. I firmly believe in the right to freedom of speech and what Voltaire said. Even though I personally bear no hatred towards any minority groups, no one should be oppressed for their beliefs.

What limits ARE placed on freedom?

In general, freedom is limited to the extent that it cannot infringe on anyone else's freedom (i.e murder and rape should not be freedoms). Today, however, Bush has passed a number of laws such as the Patriot Act which supress our freedom. The draft is also something that interferes with freedom and should be abolished altogether.

What limits ought to be placed on freedom?

None, other than those that protect the freedom of others.

What are the first principles of freedom - the axioms if you will?

I believe they are stated very eloquently by Thomas Jefferson. Read the Declaration of Independance. Freedom includes life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is the purpose of government to uphold these rights and the minute it fails to do so the people have a right to revolt.

What freedoms are impossible to violate? Where did freedom originate?

There aren't any freedoms that are impossible to violate.

The second question here makes no sense. Freedom is an abstract concept that cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be thought of by people, it did not "originate" anywhere.

Why do people want to be free?

Because freedom is natural.

[Byrum]

I think that freedom is more or less what we have in Western countries at the moment. It may not be a perfect freedom but for the way our society and our people work I think total freedom would lead to anarchy. Total freedom would only be applicable to a perfect world where people wouldn't use it to commit whatever crimes they wanted. I think what we have in Europe and America and Australia and many other 'free' countries is a pretty good idea of what freedom in our society should be like.