The Fundamental Concept of “Freedom”

Abstract

The fundamental concept of “freedom” has been one that permeates history. Today, people regard freedom as an inalienable right not only because renowned philosophers and politicians have stressed the significance of it. One values freedom as it is the primary force that drives social progress. This essay will assume that by the word “freedom”, one generally refers to two kinds of freedom: physical and spiritual. The former kind encompasses the freedom to travel, the freedom to work, and the freedom to act in the physical world without hindrance; the latter kind includes the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, or the freedom of thought and expression. Modern societies often place more weight on spiritual freedom, but physical freedom is the foundation for spiritual freedom. This essay will examine the importance of physical and spiritual freedom through case studies of ancient China, India, and Europe during the Enlightenment.