The Extent of Individual Freedom - Research Paper Example

?Introduction The extent of individual freedom and development of society is intrinsically linked to advancing knowledge and development of Indeed, the diversity of knowledge in myriad field has been a major driver that has contributed to transformation of the world in terms of socio-economic and political development. The need to monitor the usage of knowledge and thereby exert some sort of control over the society was important for effective exploitation of knowledge for social construction. At the same time, maintaining law and order were also critical issues. Thus, restriction of freedom through federal and state laws, religious guidelines and ethical considerations became major paradigms. The constitutional imperatives of the government are crucial mechanisms which may restrict personal freedom of individuals. They not only uphold law and order but also ensure development of societies across the world. Thus, absolute freedom for individuals is not possible. What is freedom? Meaning of freedom differs from place to place but can be broadly described as absolute right of individuals to control their lives and live in whichever way they want. People often expect that in a free State, one should have absolute freedom of expression vis-a-vis his/her behavior, speech and actions. In country like America, freedom of individuals has become more controversial and probably more intensely contested because of the diverse society and history of racial discrimination. Many a times, drugs, suicides, euthanasia etc. are construed as individual decisions and government restrictions are hotly contested. The interpretation of freedom, therefore, needs to be further explored for the wider welfare of people. Patterson (1991) asserts that in contemporary times, freedom ‘stands unchallenged as supreme value in Western world’ (ix). It is explicit by its very connotation and needs to be experienced. Most importantly, he has differentiated freedom in three distinct parameters: personal, sovereign; and civic. Personal freedom is described as doing what one pleases without restrictions from government or anyone but within the broader precincts of ethical consideration. Sovereign freedom broadly enforces restriction on personal freedom for individuals’ own socio-economic benefits. The civic freedom defines guidelines and rights of individuals within society and conforms to prescribed community or group. This is interesting because it also shows that personal freedom or absolute freedom is not possible, as it is often constrained by politics and religiosity of region and place. Social structure and individual’s rights Social construction is a distributed network of human relationships that is inherently linked with its environment. The role of religion, culture and value system within the wider perspective of individuals’ life is a hugely critical factor. It not only promotes guidelines for peaceful social interaction, but it also defines individual’s rights and limitation of his/ her freedom to act as he/she pleases. The informal social control, exerted by various social paradigms of the system within which individuals co-exist, become strong tenets of restrictions on personal freedom of the people. At the same time, the social identities of individuals within the society also require modicum of social conduct that define and limit the extent freedom that individuals can enjoy. Within a family, parents or elderly behave in manner that serves as model for the younger generations. The same is true of children who have to follow certain rules which conform to the value system of the family. Hence, individual’s right within the defined social structure is governed by many social imperatives. Law and individual’s right to freedom The law is an integral part of social structure and is primarily defined as a set of rules promulgated by the sovereign body to maintain law and order. Locke (1690) claims that State was created with the exclusive purpose of protecting the citizens’ natural rights vis-a-vis life, liberty and property. It is fundamentally based on the consent of the people and therefore people’s welfare and their rights become major factors (Locke, 1690). The State, therefore, makes law and rules for citizens residing in the state. Indeed, their tacit concern becomes important issue, especially within democratic states like America. The first and second amendments of American constitution define the fundamental rights of individuals and government control. The various clauses ensure that people are able to follow their own religion, traditions and customs. At the same time, it makes freedom of expression not only one’s birthright but also constitutional right. The law and the various limitations to the individuals’ freedom by the state are important facets of democratic processes that safeguard interests of the people and ensure that law, order and justice prevails within the land. The wider ramifications of developing societies have also been reflected in the changing concepts of freedom and individual’s perspectives to the evolving new values. Foner (1998) believes that in the American society, the outlook towards freedom has constantly evolved to embrace changes within the environment. He further emphasizes that for Americans, freedom has not necessarily been a birthright that is taken for granted, but is often looked upon as an achievement, as well as failure in the broader context of American movement of independence. The two hundred years of political struggle for equality and justice have significantly contributed to the individuals’ rights. As such, it should be decided by individuals as to what freedom should be and the broader limits within which it should be exercised by individuals (ibid, 332). Indeed, the changing dynamics of socio economic and political variables have emerged as one of the most influential factors that define the precepts and concepts of freedom within the changing equation of society across the globe. How limitation imposed on individuals’ freedom by social control and government laws is beneficial to society People are vital part of social structure and have been recognized as facilitators in the development of society and nation. Their welfare, therefore, becomes highly crucial for the state to the wider imperatives of development mechanisms and processes. In the contemporary times, the volatility in the environment vis-a-vis terrorism, environment, financial scams etc. necessitate development of tools and new mechanisms of control to safeguard the interests of people at large and promote national security. Thus, Patriot Act, 2001, and Homeland Security, 2002 were created to strengthen national security against outside forces and vested interests. Other legislations and policy regarding other socio-economically relevant issues like fair business practices, trade and commerce, environment etc could infringe on personal freedom, but are critical drivers that dictate imposition of limitation to personal freedom for the wider welfare of people. An ailing society or people who are prone to suicidal tendencies are unable to contribute to the development and, therefore, need to be prevented to commit such acts of self destruction. Many times adolescents’ foray into drug abuse, smoking, sex, violence etc. become highly damaging and necessitate careful guidance and intervention during growing up period. Through laws and social policies, the government promotes social justice and ensures that people are able to enjoy life with better health and new opportunities of enhancing their lifestyle and social status. Why should people be allowed to do what they please? Personal freedom is construed as birth right of individuals. Freedom of speech is God’s gift to mankind and his/her ability to exercise his/her intellectual capability as one wishes is very important part of one’s freedom. Indeed, one’s freedom of expression is the major enabling factor that promotes creativity of ideas and encourages exploitation of one’s capabilities for development of individual, as well as society at large. Mills views on the issue of liberty of thought promote conception of new ideas which are intrinsic part of development (1986). The need for empowering the masses through education becomes hugely important as empowered personal is better equipped to make decisions based on informed choices. Indeed, people are agents of change and it happens only when they are allowed to exercise their freedom. The new concepts and emerging new issues, like euthanasia and use of drugs etc., are key areas that can bring in radical changes within society. Drug abuse, like marijuana, has increasing become a major social problem because it is a banned item. If it is freely made available, it would not only reduce the power of drug mafia, but also help people to use it moderately within the prescribed guidelines. Euthanasia should also be personal decisions. Euthanasia is preferred by people who are terminally sick and in great pain. Thus, if he/she wants to use euthanasia, he/she should be allowed to do so. These are critical facets of freedom of expression which individuals must be empowered to exercise. Indeed, so long as individuals do not harm the interests of other persons, their freedom should not be curtailed by society or government. Conclusion The concept of freedom has long since been a topic of great interest to the people, as its connotations have not only influenced societies but also the development of nations. The constitutional restrictions on individuals are major imperatives that are designed to benefit societies at large. It also facilitates in dispersing justice as per the interpretation of the law for the concerned offense and helps prevent criminal behavior within and outside society. Indeed, while freedom of speech is universally accepted as a right for free expression, it needs to be confined to oneself and must be non offensive for others. Same needs to be true for freedom of expression in various formats by individuals who think it is right to act or behave as they please. Individual freedom must be pursued within the broader framework of government regulation and policies, where individuals are able to promote their interests for self development which would also be reflected in the development of society. Reference Foner, E. The Story of American Freedom. New York: Norton Publications, 1998. Print. Locke, J. An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. NY: Penguin Classics. 1690. Print. Mills, J. S. On Liberty. Buffalo, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 1986. Print. Patterson, O. Freedom: Freedom in the Making of Western Culture. New York: Basic Books, 1991. Print. Read More