Freedom

[Daymare17]

Ok, here's an opportunity for a good discussion. Post your thoughts on freedom.

Capitalists mean by freedom basically free trade, and free competition. This makes perfect sense from their standpoint, what else can freedom be for a capitalist? Sometimes it also includes freedom to work, for instance when there is a strike.

Hegel said that freedom is knowing what's necessary. I disagree. For instance it is "necessary" for capitalism to rape the planet, and under present conditions it is "necessary" that workers should be unfree. I think that in its form it is a reactionary sentiment. It should read "freedom is knowing what's necessary and reducing it to a minimum".

Anyway post your thoughts on the subject.

[DanP]

The condition of being free of restraints.
Liberty of the person from slavery, detention, or oppression.

Political independence.
Exemption from the arbitrary exercise of authority in the performance of a specific action; civil liberty: freedom of assembly.
Exemption from an unpleasant or onerous condition: freedom from want.
The capacity to exercise choice; free will: We have the freedom to do as we please all afternoon.
Ease or facility of movement: loose sports clothing, giving the wearer freedom.
Frankness or boldness; lack of modesty or reserve: the new freedom in movies and novels.

The right to unrestricted use; full access: was given the freedom of their research facilities.
The right of enjoying all of the privileges of membership or citizenship: the freedom of the city.
A right or the power to engage in certain actions without control or interference: “the seductive freedoms and excesses of the picaresque form” (John W. Aldridge).
http://www.dictionary.com

Freedom is basically being able to do what ever you want without infringing on other peoples rights. For example, you are free to murder someone. If you want to do it, you basically can. But because you are taking away someones rights (right to live) then you have your freedom taken away, by being imprisoned.