Liberty and Freedom
Liberty and freedom are two terms that are commonly used all over the world, and that seems to carry the same meaning. Some times it might be confusing as people find it difficult on which word to use between the two terms. However, the fact is that these two terms have distinctive characteristics that aid in depicting their variations in meaning even though they are used for the common good. Freedom can be defined as the state whereby one is not restricted to enjoy social, political, and civil independence. It is the free will or the ability of every person to make choices free from restrictions. In this case, everyone has the power to decide on his or her actions, and the state of being free from any form of confinement. Just like the definition of John Locke, it is right to say that in the state of nature, man has the right to decide on what to do freely.
On the other hand, liberty is the right and power in which people believe, do, and express themselves as they make choices of being free from restrictions. Liberty is the state of having the ability to talk and act freely without being controlled by any other party. People act according to what they believe in themselves and take responsibility for their behaviors and actions.
Liberty is a term that heavily rests on the proposition of accountability and duty, and attachment to a greater entire society or philosophical belief method. When liberty is used in politics, it will entail the political and social independence of which the community is entitled. In contrast, freedom is the raw ability to act according to one’s will. Then, it means that the terms liberty and freedom are different, as John Locke argues. Just from the definition, it can be seen that in freedom, for people to make decisions upon their actions depends on their wishes and desires. Nobody is involved in forcing them to act contrary to what is in their minds as long as what they are doing is the right thing. On the other hand, liberty guarantees people the power to do things without any imposition of barriers.
Too much freedom can be harmful to society and individuals. The fact is that when one is free to do what he or she wishes, it is likely that horrible actions can occur. Being free does not mean that people have the chance to do everything that comes into their thoughts. For instance, when one engages in criminal acts or even causing violence with the name of freedom would mean a breach of the rights that one has to be free. For that reason, the constitution comes in to define the legal rights that should be protected. The constitution bares the rights of the citizens, which describes what they must do and what they have to avoid. It means that they are restricted to particular actions and behaviors.
With freedom, it does not mean that one is allowed to spread lies or hatred. Freedom is just a responsibility and a constitutional right as long as one acts in the right way, and not like a criminal or influencing others to engage in harmful behaviors. The constitution ensures that the power that one has is not misused. The power of making choices should be effective as long as the choice made is reasonable, logical, and right. Making the right choices depicts how the constitution supports liberty among citizens. People are protected from confinement and oppression. Everybody needs to have the right to do what they feel like, if at all, the action doesn’t infringe on the freedom of others. You cannot be free when your actions hinder other people from doing what they want. All that is needed is consent.