POLI 232 Chapter Notes -Negative Liberty, Positive Liberty
15 Dec 2012
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Isaiah berlin postulates that there are two distinct types of liberty: negative liberty. This liberty exists if one may act without physical barriers or constraints. Conceptualized with self-mastery, and that one may take part in the selection of the governing body. Berlin also speaks to the corruption of positive liberty governments can use rhetoric to legitimize their rule. That is, a government may contend that should a person be fully rational, they will undoubtedly be complacent with the government"s rule. The two forms of liberty are incompatible with one another. This mirrors the fundamental question of state versus individuals. A more liberal minded person would espouse negative liberty, and limit the actions of the state (positive liberty). Taylor believes that berlin misrepresents negative liberty. Someone with negative liberty cannot be truly free if they are unrealized whether this be through internal fears, or internalized external expectations.
