what is the meaning of freedom?

Answer 1

-Freedom (philosophy), the ability to act consciously, in a well-balanced manner and with self control in a given constructive direction. Freedom is the ability to act without restraint.

In the context of internal control, freedom is also known as self-determination, individual sovereignty, or autonomy.

The protection of interpersonal freedoms can be the object of a social and political investigation, while the metaphysical foundation of inner freedom is a philosophical and psychological question. Both forms of freedom come together in each individual as the internal and external values mesh together in a dynamic compromise and power struggle; the society fighting for power in defining the values of individuals and the individual fighting for societal acceptance and respect in establishing one's own values in it.

Spiritually, freedom encompasses the peaceful acceptance of reality. The theological question of freedom generally focuses on reconciling the experience or reality of inner freedom with the omnipotence of the divine.

-Freedom (political), the right or the capacity of self-determination as an expression of the individual will. The concept of political freedom is closely allied with the concepts of civil liberties and human rights. Most democratic societies are characterized by various freedoms which are afforded the legal protection of the state. Some of these freedoms include (in alphabetical order):

* Freedom to bear arms
* Freedom of assembly
* Freedom of association
* Freedom from government sanctioned discrimination
* Freedom of education
* Freedom of movement (or travel)
* Freedom of the press
* Freedom of religion (or belief)
* Freedom of speech
* Freedom of thought
* Sexual freedom
* Intellectual freedom
* Freedom from military occupation, colonialism, or Imperialism

Answer 2

Absolute freedom is the complete seperation from all other things. Political freedom is the freedom to act with a legal body and a free thinking mind.

Answer 3

Kicked this one around endlessly with a good friend a few years ago, and came to this conclusion :

Freedom is when anyone, no matter who, where, or what the situation, tells you to do something, and you can just say no.....or go to hell, or go take a flying f*ck at the moon, or whatever your preference of rejecting phraseology.

The point being that 'freedom' should be a state in which one cannot be coerced in any respect.

Answer 4

This is a very interesting question indeed, is freedom a physical trait or one of your mind? Personally I believe your mind is your own, what you make of it, no one can control that. You may be limited in your physical comings and goings but what goes on behind your eyes is only yours and no one else's. Freedom is what we all have if we are fortunate to not have a mind controller unless we let it occur. Jealousy, manipulation, rules are only yours to follow if you allow them to touch you. Freedom not only applies to politics, socio-economic standing but truly more importantly it is a personal outlook on who you are, what you believe in and what can touch your heart and soul. Even an enslaved person has freedom that can never be broken. Trust in your strength, you inner wisdom and confidence. In those innate traits we are all free.

Answer 5

No doubt there are many who would define freedom as "the ability to act without any constraint" or "to do what one wills/wishes," but I would offer the definition that freedom is "the ability to choose the Good or the Right for its own sake." Freedom is the power to choose the Good because it is Good in itself. It is not the ability to act without any constraint whatsoever, but rather a type of ability to assent to what is true.

Answer 6

Freedom is ultimately defined as indeterminateness, as the beyond itself, the independence of particular situations, and it thus implies the omission of human conditions. This radical conception shows an illusive dimension of the concept. And i think the core of the problem really comes clear when one asks where freedom and free will is situated in our lives--either in our physical bodies or in our thought.
Well, to be correct, the first question should actually be: Is it something? Does the word 'freedom' (or 'free will') refer to something tangible? (This is in fact often suggested yet never acknowledged.) In a further stage we could ask ourselves if it's somewhere. For example we could ask ourselves: is it, as Schoppenhauer claims, situated in our self-consciousness? To shorten my answer: i think not. The notion of freedom is invented by noble philosophers (in the late Hellenistic period) but it is revived by politicians and other 'voluntaristic' demagogues.
I personally try to avoid the usage of the word in giving meaning to my life. I associate it with arbitrary justifications of selfishness and image management.

Answer 7

Freedom is the privilege of thinking and doing things that you want to do as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others. It also comes with responsibility as you must be held responsible for your actions (though this is often not considered by people).

Answer 8

Freedom is the assurance that those who cannot defend themselves, like children or the elderly will be treated with respect.

Answer 9

Freedom is being able to make your own decisions and when you are able to be yourself.

Answer 10

Freedom means being who you really are, ie - God!