11-08-2002, 12:12 PM
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#2
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Guest
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Quote:
Originally posted by Barry the Sprout:
Just a nice little philosophical question really. What is liberty? how would you define liberty? Is it just the ability to do things, or is it the ability to control your life? They aren't the same concept, after all. Or is liberty, for you, simply the abscence of physical coercion by other people?
Control is an illusion. Liberty is the concept of being free to pursue your desires with out being restrained by outside authorities.
Also, is liberty a good thing? In general and in all circumstances. If it is a good thing then why is it a good thing? Is it good simply because it is - i.e. in the same way happiness is a good thing, it is just defined as good. Or is it good because it leads to other things which in themselves are good - i.e. is it good because it leads to the development of the mind, or security, etc.
Absolutely Liberty is a good thing, when it is viewd within a framework of society. You cannot impose upon anothers liberty when pursueing your own.
This isn't intended to attack any position, I just want to see if we can get some kind of discussion on this going. Might be interesting, you never know.
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Those of course are just My opinions.
Edit: Just for fun, thought I would post this too.
Main Entry: lib·er·ty
Pronunciation: 'li-b&r-tE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ties
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French liberté, from Latin libertat-, libertas, from liber free -- more at LIBERAL
Date: 14th century
1 : the quality or state of being free: a : the power to do as one pleases b : freedom from physical restraint c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic control d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges e : the power of choice
2 a : a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : PRIVILEGE b : permission especially to go freely within specified limits
3 : an action going beyond normal limits: as a : a breach of etiquette or propriety : FAMILIARITY b : RISK, CHANCE c : a violation of rules or a deviation from standard practice d : a distortion of fact
4 : a short authorized absence from naval duty usually for less than 48 hours
synonym see FREEDOM
- at liberty 1 : FREE 2 : at leisure : UNOCCUPIED
[ 11-08-2002, 12:17 PM: Message edited by: MagiK ]
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