12 May '11 17:06>
Originally posted by PalynkaA situation where one has the ability to act or speak according to one's inclinations or desires without external constraint.
What are those conditions?
Originally posted by TeinosukeThese conditions are hardly objective, there is no country in the world where such situation actually exists, my point was precisely that you will always have external restraints.
A situation where one has the ability to act or speak according to one's inclinations or desires without external constraint.
Originally posted by generalissimoSurely however it could not be denied that more constraints exist in Iran or Cuba than in the US or Europe. This is what I mean by "objective".
These conditions are hardly objective, there is no country in the world where such situation actually exists, my point was precisely that you will always have external restraints.
Like I said, one's opinion will ultimately depend on whether one approves of the tradeoff between individual liberties and whatever a certain political framework is offeri or judgments about the validity of a particular system and the principles is it grounded on?
Originally posted by Teinosuke"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?"
"My definition of a free country is one where it is safe to be unpopular."
How adequate is Adlai Stevenson's definition of a free country?
Originally posted by whodeyThe famous line from Ben Franklin conveys the same sentiment: "Those who will give up liberty for a little temporary security deserve neither" (or words to that effect).
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?"
--Patrick Henry.
I think freedom is often sacrificed at the hands of those who proport to keep us "safe".
Hello Patriot Act!!
Originally posted by TeinosukeThere are always constraints. For example, if one's inclinations and desires are destructive, then you won't be able to act without external constraints. Or if you reveal banking information of others or use inside information to tell friends what stocks to buy, etc.
A situation where one has the ability to act or speak according to one's inclinations or desires without external constraint.
Originally posted by PalynkaYes, I know. Freedom is never absolute in the real world. That's because it has to be balanced against other goods, other values. That doesn't mean, however, that it's undefinable. Similarly, no society is wholly equal, but that doesn't mean we can lose hope of using the word "equality" meaningfully.
There are always constraints. For example, if one's inclinations and desires are destructive, then you won't be able to act without external constraints. Or if you reveal banking information of others or use inside information to tell friends what stocks to buy, etc.
Originally posted by PalynkaWhat I've found interesting on this thread is how you rather uncontroversially said this at the beginning:
There are always constraints. For example, if one's inclinations and desires are destructive, then you won't be able to act without external constraints. Or if you reveal banking information of others or use inside information to tell friends what stocks to buy, etc.
Originally posted by TeinosukeGood points.
Yes, I know. Freedom is never absolute in the real world. That's because it has to be balanced against other goods, other values. That doesn't mean, however, that it's undefinable. Similarly, no society is wholly equal, but that doesn't mean we can lose hope of using the word "equality" meaningfully.
Originally posted by FMFI think you're being a bit unfair to what he said...
What I've found interesting on this thread is how you rather uncontroversially said this at the beginning:
[b]"I hope I'm not going to ruin the point of this thread, but I guess that depends on what you mean by "free". Most of the times the terms "free" or "freedom" is used as an adjective of support (i.e. support for the ability to be safe while being unpopu ...[text shortened]... anathema to freedom advocates and human rights activists the [same] world over![/b][/b]
Originally posted by PalynkaWell then, while you are skeptical about the possibility of an objectivity of the definition, people can and should fill the vacuum you seem to favour, dismiss generalissimo's dictator-friendly fig leaf, and strive for - advocate and support - systems that endeavour to not suppress their personal liberties and restrict their freedom of speech, thought, action and assembly... for subjective reasons if needs be. Hell, why not? The citizens of Cuba do not have the freedom to modify the definition of freedom that their government imposes on them. Cuba is not a "free country".
So I'm skeptical about the possibility of an objectivity of the definition...
Originally posted by FMFI didn't say otherwise. That I think it is preference-based doesn't mean I'm happy to accept a majority vote all issues. I prefer certain values above a majority rule.
Well then, while you are skeptical about the possibility of an objectivity of the definition, people can and should fill the vacuum you seem to favour, dismiss generalissimo's dictator-friendly fig leaf, and strive for - advocate and support - systems that endeavour to not suppress their personal liberties and restrict their freedom of speech, thought, ac ...[text shortened]... find realistic ways for humans to both do what they want and live together successfully. 😀
Originally posted by FMFOutside of the context of this thread I'd have no problem in expressing my disapproval for Cuba by saying they are NOT a free country.
So, for you, is Cuba a free country?
Originally posted by PalynkaYou say Cuba is "NOT a free country". Why?
Outside of the context of this thread I'd have no problem in expressing my disapproval for Cuba by saying they are NOT a free country.
In the context of this thread (which explicitly attempts to pin down what a "free country" is) I'd have to say that you have to be more specific about what you mean by "free country".