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Distinguish between negative and positive freedom and explain the implications of each for the state.
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Politics Questions Distinguish between negative and positive freedom and explain the implications of each for the state. Individual freedom is often seen as the core value of Liberalism. Nevertheless, freedom can be divided into two categories: negative and positive. Negative freedom, which is traditionally associated with Classical Liberalism, advocates the belief in non-interference, the absence of all external constraints upon the individual. This implies that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests free from outside restrictions or pressures. Nonetheless, negative freedom does not mean that individuals should have absolute and unrestricted freedom. Classical liberals, such as J.S. Mill, believe that if freedom is unlimited it can lead to "license", namely the right to harm others or to infringe their "natural" rights to "life, liberty and property". In this way, Classical Liberals often support minimal restrictions on the individual so as to prevent individuals from inflicting harm upon...
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