Give the correct answer by using the codes given below :

Assertion (A) : Most liberal democracies respect the principle of equal liberty – at least in the context of political, legal and social rights of all citizens.

Reason (R) : However, the doctrine of equal liberty is bedevilled by problems about how freedom is defined.

The correct answer is - Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

Key Points

• Assertion (A): Most liberal democracies respect the principle of equal liberty
  • The principle of equal liberty focuses on ensuring that all citizens have access to political, legal, and social rights.
  • Liberal democracies typically uphold these rights by promoting fairness, equality, and freedom.
  • Examples include laws against discrimination and policies ensuring equal access to resources such as education and healthcare.
• Reason (R): The doctrine of equal liberty faces challenges in defining freedom
  • Freedom can be interpreted differently across cultural, philosophical, and political contexts.
  • Issues such as balancing individual freedom with collective good or resolving conflicts between different rights make defining freedom complex.
  • This does not negate the validity of Assertion (A), but rather highlights practical challenges in implementation.
• Conclusion
  • Both (A) and (R) are true.
  • However, R does not directly explain the principle of equal liberty mentioned in A.

Additional Information

• Equal Liberty
  • First articulated by political philosophers such as John Rawls in his theory of justice.
  • Rawls proposed that equal liberty includes basic freedoms like freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of thought.
  • It is a cornerstone of modern liberal democratic systems.
• Challenges in Defining Freedom
  • Freedom can be categorized into positive freedom (freedom to act) and negative freedom (freedom from interference).
  • Philosophical debates often arise regarding the trade-off between individual freedom and state intervention.
  • Examples include debates on free speech versus hate speech regulation.
• Liberal Democracies
  • Governed by principles of pluralism, rule of law, and equal representation.
  • Examples include countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
  • Focus on protecting rights while promoting societal welfare.