The Ethics of Freedom: Rethinking Liberty through Indic and Western Perspectives

This paper re-examines Isaiah Berlin’s concepts of negative and positive liberty by addressing their dualistic limitations and integrating insights from Indic philosophy. Drawing on concepts like manas (mind), buddhi (intellect), dharma (ethical duty), and śamatva (equanimity), it proposes a pluralist framework of liberty as a continuum that harmonizes individual autonomy with social responsibility. By emphasizing the interplay between internal coherence and external ethical alignment, the paper critiques Berlin’s rigid dichotomy and offers a holistic perspective on liberty. This approach bridges Western and Indic traditions, advancing a nuanced, inclusive understanding of freedom applicable to contemporary ethical and global challenges.