Difference between liberty and freedom

The terms “liberty” and “freedom” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two concepts.

Liberty refers to the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views. It is the ability to exercise one’s rights and privileges, and to pursue one’s own goals and values without interference or coercion from others. In this sense, liberty is closely associated with individual autonomy, and it is often regarded as a fundamental value of democratic societies.

Freedom, on the other hand, refers to the state of being free from any kind of external constraint, whether that constraint comes from an individual, a group, or a government. Freedom is the ability to act or speak without fear of retribution or interference, and it is often associated with the absence of physical or psychological coercion. In this sense, freedom is closely related to the concept of human rights, and it is often regarded as a fundamental value of liberal societies.

While both liberty and freedom refer to the state of being free, liberty specifically refers to freedom from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority, while freedom refers to the absence of external constraints in general.