Supporters of negative liberty include several prominent philosophers and political theorists who have emphasized the importance of freedom from interference. Some notable advocates are:
Hobbes:
John Locke: His social contract theory and writings on natural rights highlight the importance of individual freedoms and minimal government interference.
John Stuart Mill: In his work "On Liberty," Mill advocates for personal freedom and protection from societal and governmental constraints.
Friedrich Hayek: Hayek's writings, particularly in "The Road to Serfdom," stress the significance of individual liberty and the dangers of government intervention.
Isaiah Berlin: Although he is known for distinguishing between negative and positive liberty, Berlin himself emphasized the importance of negative liberty, or freedom from interference.
Robert Nozick: In "Anarchy, State, and Utopia," Nozick argues for a minimal state and highlights the importance of individual rights and freedoms without external interference.
Hayek:
Milton Friedman:
Herbert Spencer: is generally considered a supporter of negative liberty. Spencer, a 19th-century British philosopher, is known for his strong advocacy of individual freedom and minimal government intervention. His views are clearly outlined in works such as "The Man Versus the State," where he argues against the expansion of state power and in favor of individual rights and laissez-faire principles. Spencer's philosophy emphasizes the importance of non-interference by the state and other entities, aligning closely with the concept of negative liberty, which is defined as freedom from external constraints and coercion.
Jeremy Bentham:
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Supporters of positive liberty include several influential philosophers and political theorists who emphasize the importance of individuals having the capacity and resources to act upon their free will and achieve self-mastery. Some notable advocates are:
Jean-Jacques Rousseau: In his work "The Social Contract," Rousseau emphasizes the idea of collective self-governance and the general will, which can be seen as a form of positive liberty.
G.W.F. Hegel: Hegel's philosophy highlights the development of self-consciousness and freedom through social and historical processes, emphasizing the role of the state in actualizing freedom.
John Dewey: An advocate of educational and social reforms, Dewey believed in creating conditions for individuals to achieve their full potential and participate fully in democratic society.
T.H. Green: Green argued that true freedom involves the ability to realize one's potential and pursue the common good, requiring certain social and economic conditions.
Amartya Sen: In his capability approach, Sen focuses on the importance of individuals having the capabilities and opportunities to achieve well-being and make meaningful choices.
Harold J Laski: A Grammar of Politics
Hobson:
Giovanni Gentile: Italian philosopher who was a proponent of positive liberty through his development of the concept of "actual idealism," then yes, Gentile is an example of a philosopher who supports positive liberty. His ideas were aligned with the notion that true freedom comes from the realization of one's potential and the active participation in the collective will of the society or state.