1st Edition

Liberty Reader

By David Miller Copyright 2006

    For centuries past, the quest for liberty has driven political movements across the globe, inspiring revolutions in America, France, China and many other countries. Now, we have Iraq and the idea of liberation through preemption. What is this liberty that is so fervently pursued? Does it mean a private space for individuals, the capacity for free and rational choice, or collective self-rule? What is the difference between positive and negative liberty, or the relationship between freedom and coercion? Reflecting on these questions reveals a surprisingly rich landscape of ideas-and further questions. The Liberty Reader collects twelve of the most important and insightful essays on issues of freedom currently available. It is essential reading for students of social and political theory, political philosophy, and anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the variety of ideas and ideals behind perennial human strivings for liberty. Contributors Hannah Arendt, Isaiah Berlin, G. A. Cohen, T. H. Green, F. A. Hayek, Nancy Hirschman, Gerald C. MacCallum Jr., David Miller, Phillip Pettit, Quentin Skinner, Hillel Steiner, Charles Taylor.

    Introduction David Miller Chapter 1: Liberal Legislation and Freedom of Contract T. H. Green Chapter 2: Two Concepts of Liberty Isaiah Berlin Chapter 3: Freedom and Politics Hannah Arendt Chapter 4: Freedom and Coercion F. A. Hayek Chapter 5: Negative and Positive Freedom Gerald C. MacCallum, Jr. Chapter 6: Individual Liberty Hillel Steiner Chapter 7: What's Wrong with Negative Liberty Charles Taylor Chapter 8: Capitalism, Freedom, and the Proletariat G. A. Cohen Chapter 9: Constraints on Freedom David Miller Chapter 10: Toward a Feminist Theory of Freedom Nancy J. Hirschmann Chapter 11: The Republican Ideal of Freedom Philip Pettit Chapter 12: A Third Concept of Liberty Quentin Skinner Selected Bibliography Index About the Editor and Contributors

    Biography

    David Miller