Chapter 2: Freedom

What is freedom?
Freedom is the ability of individuals to think, speak, and act without unnecessary external restrictions, within the limits of law and respect for others.

Why is freedom important in democracy?
It allows individuals to express themselves, participate in decision-making, and live with dignity, which are core values in any democracy.

What are the two types of freedom?

Positive Freedom – Freedom to do something

Negative Freedom – Freedom from external restraints or interference

What is positive liberty?
Positive liberty means enabling individuals to develop themselves fully by providing opportunities and removing social and economic barriers.

What is negative liberty?
Negative liberty means freedom from external restrictions, especially from the government or powerful groups.

Why should freedom have reasonable restrictions?
To maintain public order, prevent harm to others, and ensure one person’s freedom doesn’t violate another’s rights.

What is meant by ‘harm principle’?
Proposed by J.S. Mill, it suggests individuals are free to act unless their actions harm others.

What is the difference between freedom and license?
Freedom is exercising choice responsibly; license is acting without regard for rules, laws, or others’ rights.

How does society protect individual freedom?
Through laws, a constitution, judiciary, and active public participation to check misuse of power.

What is the role of the state in ensuring freedom?
The state protects rights, ensures security, promotes equality, and provides opportunities for people to exercise their freedom.

What are the threats to freedom?
Threats include dictatorship, inequality, censorship, discrimination, and violence from non-state actors or dominant groups.

What is censorship?
Censorship is the suppression or control of information and expression by authority, which can limit freedom of speech.

Can freedom exist without equality?
No. Without equality, some groups may be oppressed or excluded, making real freedom impossible for all.

What are civil liberties?
Civil liberties are freedoms guaranteed to individuals by law, such as freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and religion.

Why is the right to dissent essential in democracy?
It allows people to challenge injustice, demand change, and hold authorities accountable, strengthening democratic practices.

What is the role of media in freedom?
Media provides a platform for expression, exposes corruption, and promotes transparency, but it must be free and responsible.

What are fundamental freedoms in India?
They include freedom of speech, assembly, movement, residence, and profession, granted under Article 19 of the Constitution.

How can education promote freedom?
Education empowers people to think critically, make informed choices, and resist exploitation or injustice.

What is self-rule or ‘Swaraj’?
Introduced by Mahatma Gandhi, Swaraj means self-governance and self-discipline, promoting moral and responsible freedom.

What is the connection between freedom and development?
Development expands opportunities and choices, making freedom meaningful in practice (e.g., access to health, education, and income).

What does ‘freedom of expression’ mean?
It means the right to speak, write, and share one’s ideas freely, within limits that do not harm others.

Why is freedom necessary for creativity?
Freedom encourages new ideas, innovation, and cultural expression, which are essential for personal and societal growth.

What limits should be placed on freedom of speech?
Speech that incites violence, spreads hate, or endangers public order should be limited under reasonable legal norms.

What is the role of judiciary in protecting freedom?
Judiciary safeguards freedoms by interpreting the Constitution and striking down laws or actions that violate fundamental rights.

What is the difference between political and personal freedom?
Political freedom includes rights like voting and protesting; personal freedom involves choices in life, career, religion, and beliefs.

What does ‘freedom from fear’ mean?
It means living in a society without fear of oppression, violence, or discrimination, essential for exercising real freedom.

Why is tolerance important in a free society?
Tolerance allows diverse views and practices to coexist peacefully, making freedom meaningful for everyone.

What is freedom of religion?
It is the right to believe, practice, and propagate any religion, or not follow any, without state interference.

How does economic inequality affect freedom?
Poor people may lack real choices and access to opportunities, making formal freedom meaningless without equality.

What is the role of civil society in protecting freedom?
Civil society organizations promote awareness, mobilize people, and act as watchdogs to protect individual rights and freedoms.