UPSC Prelims 2019 Q85: Indian Polity – Political Theory & Concepts
In the context of polity,
which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?
- (a) Protection against the tyranny of political rulers
- (b) Absence of restraints
- (c) Opportunity to do whatever one likes
- (d) Opportunity to develop oneself fully
Answer: (d) Opportunity to develop oneself fully
Explanation
The most appropriate definition of liberty
Political theory speaks of two sides of liberty.
| Kind | Meaning | Thinkers |
|---|---|---|
| Negative liberty | Absence of restraints; being left alone | Hobbes, Bentham, J.S. Mill |
| Positive liberty | Having the conditions and opportunity to develop oneself | T.H. Green, Laski |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Protection against the tyranny of political rulers | Incorrect | The oldest meaning; it covers only one threat to liberty |
| (b) Absence of restraints | Incorrect | Only the negative side; some restraints are needed for all to be free |
| (c) Opportunity to do whatever one likes | Incorrect | This is licence, which harms the liberty of others |
| (d) Opportunity to develop oneself fully | Correct | The positive and fullest meaning |
Laski's words: liberty is the eager maintenance of that atmosphere in which people have the opportunity to be their best selves.
Answer: (d) Opportunity to develop oneself fully.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Protection against the tyranny of political rulers is only the earliest, narrow meaning.
- (b) Incorrect. Absence of restraints is negative liberty; it is not the fullest definition.
- (c) Incorrect. Doing whatever one likes is licence, not liberty.
- (d) CORRECT. Liberty is the opportunity to develop oneself fully (positive liberty).
Key point
Negative liberty: absence of restraints (Hobbes, Mill). Positive liberty: opportunity for self-development (Green, Laski). Licence: doing whatever one likes.
Remember
Liberty = opportunity to develop oneself fully.
Common mistakes
- Choosing 'absence of restraints', which is only one side of liberty.
- Confusing liberty with licence.
- Picking option (a) because it sounds historical; it is too narrow to be the best definition.
Exam tip
For 'most appropriate definition' questions, choose the broadest positive meaning. Narrow or extreme options fall.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — Political Theory, Ch 2 (Freedom)
- Harold J. Laski — A Grammar of Politics (Liberty and Equality)