Liberty and Political Liberalism
Liberty and political liberalism go hand in hand. Although there is considerable debate among adherents of liberalism and conservatives, if you examine the basic tenants of liberalism it is hard to deny its close connections to liberty and personal freedom. In this assignment, you will analyze and explain the concepts of liberty, political liberalism, and freedom.
To prepare for this assignment:
Review the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entries “Positive and Negative Liberty” and “Liberalism” in this week’s Learning Resources. Pay particular attention to the positive and negative aspects of liberty, and the debates surrounding political liberalism.
Reflect on the varying aspects of liberty and the support and criticism surrounding political liberalism.
Consider the relationship between liberty and freedom.
The assignment: (1-2 pages)
Analyze the concepts of liberty and political liberalism. In your analysis:
o Explain the relationship between the concepts of liberty and political liberalism. In your explanation, include your definition of each concept.
o Explain and provide examples of positive and negative liberty.
o Briefly synthesize the debate around political liberalism.
o Explain the relationship between liberty and freedom.
? Web Sites
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Positive and Negative Liberty
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/liberty-positive-negative/
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Liberalism
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/liberalism/
