One of the most interesting current debates about the ideal of freedom is the debate between the adherents of the recently revived republican notion of negative freedom, most notably Quentin Skinner and Philip Pettit, and the adherents of the prevailing liberal notion of negative freedom, most notably Ian Carter and Matthew Kramer. The debate between these two parties concerns the question of what negative freedom is. While Carter and Kramer argue that negative freedom is simply the absence of interference, Skinner and Pettit argue that negative freedom is first and foremost the absence of arbitrary power to interfere (or, in short, domination) and only in a secondary sense also the absence of interference.
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In the Republican theory of freedom, freedom is defined as the absence of domination. This concept contrasts with the more familiar liberal notion of freedom, which is often defined as the absence of interference.
In Republican theory, domination refers to the condition in which one entity has the power to arbitrarily interfere in the choices and actions of another. This form of freedom, sometimes referred to as "non-domination," emphasizes the importance of structural conditions that prevent such arbitrary interference, rather than merely focusing on the absence of specific acts of interference.
Key points in the Republican theory of freedom include:
Non-Domination vs. Non-Interference: Unlike liberal freedom, which is concerned with the absence of actual interference, Republican freedom is concerned with the potential for interference. Even if interference does not occur, the mere possibility that someone could interfere arbitrarily can render an individual unfree.
Arbitrary Power: Domination involves arbitrary power, where one party has the discretionary capacity to interfere with another's choices without constraint or accountability. True freedom, therefore, requires that power be controlled and regulated so that it cannot be exercised arbitrarily.
Civic Participation: Republican freedom is often linked to active civic participation. Citizens must have the ability to participate in the political process and influence the laws and policies that govern their lives. This participation helps to ensure that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few and that it is subject to checks and balances.
Rule of Law: A key mechanism for ensuring non-domination is the rule of law. Laws should be general, known, and stable, and they should apply equally to all. This helps to prevent arbitrary power by ensuring that everyone, including those in positions of authority, is subject to the same rules.
Mutual Respect and Equality: Republican freedom also involves a commitment to mutual respect and equality among citizens. Social and economic inequalities can lead to domination if they result in significant power imbalances. Thus, promoting equality is essential for maintaining a non-dominating society.
The Republican theory of freedom has roots in the political thought of ancient Rome and the writings of thinkers like Cicero and Machiavelli. It has been revived and developed in contemporary political philosophy by scholars such as Quentin Skinner and Philip Pettit. Pettit's work, in particular, has been influential in articulating the concept of freedom as non-domination and exploring its implications for modern democratic theory.