Classical liberals like Mill usually argue that so long as you aren't being coerced or forced to do something by the state, then you are free. People sympathetic to Marx are likely to argue that freedom requires that we are protected from forms of coercion that stem from economic disparities, and that this perhaps requires some kind of active state intervention to make sure that we are free to make our own economic choices.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with Mill or Marx? Or perhaps a little with both?
Ah the topic of freedom what a controversial thing!
I can't help but side with both of these wonderful men for their clear philosophical standpoints on freedom. Mills made it clear to us that living in harmony with a non oppressive government is what gives us freedom and Marx strongly expressed that we need the essentials of survival from the economy to lead a free life. Both statements provide specific conditions for freedom and in doing so assert a guide on how to be free. I think that if two combined their ideas to formulate one that would create a wonderful theory on freedom! Let me explain how this theory would work if i were to merge the two..
First, Marx's standpoint on freedom would be presented: In order to survive you need the essentials of life that the economy should be able to provide such as shelter, food, and clothes. Through Marx's perceptive view a fundamental base would be set for the next phase of freedom, the final phase of freedom provided by Mills. In order to finalize the freedom you need to live in a society with a liberal government without being pressured or forced to do things by them. Finalizing this theory you have to have the stability and security of a good economy to get you on your feet and a liberal government to let your freedom soar!
Now that's how it should be seen! Both brilliant ideas combined into one amazing theory of freedom. Both Marx and Mills make points that contribute to the factors of freedom but i can't see their individual ideas as the makings of freedom. United they make much more sense :)!
What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with Mill or Marx? Or perhaps a little with both?
Ah the topic of freedom what a controversial thing!
I can't help but side with both of these wonderful men for their clear philosophical standpoints on freedom. Mills made it clear to us that living in harmony with a non oppressive government is what gives us freedom and Marx strongly expressed that we need the essentials of survival from the economy to lead a free life. Both statements provide specific conditions for freedom and in doing so assert a guide on how to be free. I think that if two combined their ideas to formulate one that would create a wonderful theory on freedom! Let me explain how this theory would work if i were to merge the two..
First, Marx's standpoint on freedom would be presented: In order to survive you need the essentials of life that the economy should be able to provide such as shelter, food, and clothes. Through Marx's perceptive view a fundamental base would be set for the next phase of freedom, the final phase of freedom provided by Mills. In order to finalize the freedom you need to live in a society with a liberal government without being pressured or forced to do things by them. Finalizing this theory you have to have the stability and security of a good economy to get you on your feet and a liberal government to let your freedom soar!
Now that's how it should be seen! Both brilliant ideas combined into one amazing theory of freedom. Both Marx and Mills make points that contribute to the factors of freedom but i can't see their individual ideas as the makings of freedom. United they make much more sense :)!
I like the way you combine Marx and Mill and this post, it makes sense to have an economic base on which to build Mill's cultural freedom. Well done!
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