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Eric Schliesser - Do Liberals Focus Too Much On Freedom From Restrictions?
Episode 286

Eric Schliesser - Do Liberals Focus Too Much On Freedom From Restrictions?

The Curious Task

February 5, 20251h 5m

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Show Notes

Alex speaks with Eric Schliesser about the "freedom to" vs. "freedom from" debate in political theory, using Serene Khader’s book Faux Feminism as a central reference. They explore the historical distinction between negative and positive liberty, the role of hierarchy in structuring freedom, and how liberalism’s focus on removing restrictions can sometimes reinforce existing power structures. The discussion touches on feminist theory, liberal political thought, and broader critiques of market-based individualism.

References

  1. Faux Feminism: Why We Fall for White Feminism and How We Can Stop by Serene Khader
    https://a.co/d/fFRt6op

  2. Liberal Legislation and Freedom of Contract by T.H. Green
    https://history.hanover.edu/texts/green.html

  3. Two Concepts of Liberty by Isaiah Berlin
    https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/liberty-positive-negative/

  4. The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
    https://a.co/d/6YWK7bA

  5. The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt
    https://www.amazon.ca/Origins-Totalitarianism-Hannah-Arendt/dp/0156701537

  6. Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman
    https://www.amazon.ca/Capitalism-Freedom-Milton-Friedman/dp/022673479X

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