Negative liberty, often contrasted with positive liberty, refers to the absence of interference from others, particularly from the government or authority figures. It is the idea that individuals are free when they are not subjected to coercion or restraint in their actions. Essentially, negative liberty focuses on the freedoms that exist when individuals are allowed to pursue their own choices and actions without external hindrances. The concept is associated with classical liberalism and philosophers such as John Stuart Mill and Isaiah Berlin.
New to topics? Read the docs here!