A Philosophy of Freedom

Freedom of speech, religion, choice, will—humans have fought, and continue to fight, for all of these. But what is human freedom really? Taking a broad approach across metaphysics, politics, and ethics, Lars Svendsen explores this question in his engaging book, while also looking at the threats freedom faces today. Though our behaviors, thoughts, and actions are restricted by social and legal rules, deadlines, and burdens, Svendsen argues that the fundamental requirement for living a human life is the ability to be free.
           
A Philosophy of Freedom questions how we can successfully create meaningful lives when we are estranged from the very concept of freedom. Svendsen tackles such issues as the nature of free agency and the possibility of freedom in a universe governed by natural laws. He concludes that the true definition of personal freedom is first and foremost the liberty to devote yourself to what really matters to you—to realize the true value of the life you are living. Drawing on the fascinating debates around the possibility of freedom and its limits within society, this comprehensive investigation provides an accessible and insightful overview that will appeal to academics and general readers alike.
1118853100
A Philosophy of Freedom

Freedom of speech, religion, choice, will—humans have fought, and continue to fight, for all of these. But what is human freedom really? Taking a broad approach across metaphysics, politics, and ethics, Lars Svendsen explores this question in his engaging book, while also looking at the threats freedom faces today. Though our behaviors, thoughts, and actions are restricted by social and legal rules, deadlines, and burdens, Svendsen argues that the fundamental requirement for living a human life is the ability to be free.
           
A Philosophy of Freedom questions how we can successfully create meaningful lives when we are estranged from the very concept of freedom. Svendsen tackles such issues as the nature of free agency and the possibility of freedom in a universe governed by natural laws. He concludes that the true definition of personal freedom is first and foremost the liberty to devote yourself to what really matters to you—to realize the true value of the life you are living. Drawing on the fascinating debates around the possibility of freedom and its limits within society, this comprehensive investigation provides an accessible and insightful overview that will appeal to academics and general readers alike.
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A Philosophy of Freedom

A Philosophy of Freedom

A Philosophy of Freedom

A Philosophy of Freedom

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Overview


Freedom of speech, religion, choice, will—humans have fought, and continue to fight, for all of these. But what is human freedom really? Taking a broad approach across metaphysics, politics, and ethics, Lars Svendsen explores this question in his engaging book, while also looking at the threats freedom faces today. Though our behaviors, thoughts, and actions are restricted by social and legal rules, deadlines, and burdens, Svendsen argues that the fundamental requirement for living a human life is the ability to be free.
           
A Philosophy of Freedom questions how we can successfully create meaningful lives when we are estranged from the very concept of freedom. Svendsen tackles such issues as the nature of free agency and the possibility of freedom in a universe governed by natural laws. He concludes that the true definition of personal freedom is first and foremost the liberty to devote yourself to what really matters to you—to realize the true value of the life you are living. Drawing on the fascinating debates around the possibility of freedom and its limits within society, this comprehensive investigation provides an accessible and insightful overview that will appeal to academics and general readers alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781780233703
Publisher: Reaktion Books, Limited
Publication date: 11/15/2014
Pages: 287
Product dimensions: 6.50(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author


Lars Svendsen is professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Bergen, Norway. He is the author of A Philosophy of Fear, Fashion: A Philosophy, and A Philosophy of Boredom, all published by Reaktion Books. Kerri Pierce is a translator focusing on Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, and German. She is also the translator of Lars Svendsen’s A Philosophy of Evil.

Table of Contents


Foreword
Introduction

Part 1: The Ontology of Freedom

1. To Act Voluntarily
2. Freedom and Determinism
3. Reactive and Objective Attitudes
4. Autonomy

Part 2: The Politics of Freedom

5. The Liberal Democracy
6. Positive and Negative Freedom
7. A Republican Concept of Freedom
8. Freedom and Equality
9. Liberal Rights
10. Paternalism
11. Informational Privacy
12. Freedom of Expressions

Part 3: The Ethics of Freedom

13. Realizing Freedom

Afterword
References
Bibliography
Acknowledgements

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