Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Open University

Two concepts of freedom

The Open University via OpenLearn

Go to class Write review
Boot.dev Ad

The Fastest Way to Become a Backend Developer Online

Learn More → Coursera Ad

Google AI Professional Certificate - Learn AI Skills That Get You Hired

Learn More →

Overview

Google, IBM & Meta Certificates — All 10,000+ Courses at 40% Off
One annual plan covers every course and certificate on Coursera. 40% off for a limited time.
Get Full Access
What defines individual freedom in a civilised society? Philosophers have argued over such questions for centuries. This free course, Two concepts of freedom, looks at a positive and a negative concept of freedom, asking you to think carefully about how freedom is restricted by our place in society and how it can vary from state to state.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Introducing the concept of freedom
  • 1 Introducing the concept of freedom
  • 2 The word ‘freedom’
  • 2 The word ‘freedom’
  • 3 Isaiah Berlin's ‘Two Concepts of Liberty’ (1958)
  • 3 Isaiah Berlin's ‘Two Concepts of Liberty’ (1958)
  • 3.1 Preamble
  • 3.2 Negative freedom
  • 3.3 Positive freedom
  • 3.4 The misuse of the concept of positive liberty
  • 3.5 The notion of a final solution
  • 3.6 Berlin criticised: one concept of freedom?
  • 4 Conclusion
  • 4 Conclusion
  • 4.1 Course summary
  • 4.2 Further reading
  • Acknowledgements

Tags

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

5 rating at OpenLearn based on 1 rating

Start your review of Two concepts of freedom

  • Profile image for Enrique Enriquez
    Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
    20
    Navigating this analysis of Isaiah Berlin’s “Two Concepts of Liberty” offers a rigorous framework for understanding political freedom. The delineation between negative liberty—freedom from interference—and positive liberty—freedom to self-mastery—provides essential vocabulary for evaluating power and constraint in societal structures. Course descriptions proved precise, and the estimated completion time was reliable, as was the certificate awarded.
Go to class

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Sign up for free
Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.