Outline the difference between "positive" and "negative" freedom?

The distinction between positive and negative notions of freedom can be traced to Isaiah Berlin and his 1936 essay: "Two Concepts of Liberty". Negative freedom is defined as freedom from obstacles, and external constraints. For example, I have the negative freedom to go outside and walk my dog because the state does not place constraints on when or if I can take my dog for a walk. Positive freedom by contrast concerns itself with possessing the necessary capabilities to carry out my will and desires. For example, I may be scared of the outdoors. This has left me unable to walk my dog outside. In the negative sense of freedom, I am free because I am not restricted or constrained by any other individual or the state to go outside and walk my dog. Positive freedom however would argue that I am not truly free, as while I may not have others externally constraining my will, I am inhibited or unable to exercise my freedom due to other internal factors; namely my fear of the outdoors. It would follow from a positive freedom standpoint, that I am not free until I overcome the internal factors preventing me from exercising my desires and will.

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Answered by Rooban S. Politics tutor

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