Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2019 · Polity and Constitution · Question 25

In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?

  1. Protection against the tyranny of political rulers
  2. Absence of restraint
  3. Opportunity to do whatever one likes
  4. Opportunity to develop oneself fully

Answer

Opportunity to develop oneself fully

  • (a) Protection against the tyranny of political rulers — This is only a partial aspect of liberty, mainly civil-political protection against arbitrary power. Not the most appropriate definition.
  • (b) Absence of restraint — Liberty in political theory is not absolute absence of restraints; reasonable restrictions are compatible with liberty. Incorrect.
  • (c) Opportunity to do whatever one likes — This suggests license, not liberty; one person’s unlimited freedom can violate another’s rights. Incorrect.
  • (d) Opportunity to develop oneself fully — This best reflects the positive concept of liberty, i.e., conditions that enable full development of the individual. Correct.
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