Liberal Freedom Under Critical Scrutiny

Ghayour Al-Hassanain

Abstract
This research examines the concept of freedom within liberal thought, a cornerstone of its ideology. It reviews the multifaceted dimensions of freedom, including intellectual, ideological, social, and political aspects. The analysis focuses on the core tenets underpinning liberalism, such as humanism, individualism, the pursuit of pleasure, the primacy of sensation, and instrumental reason. Furthermore, the study considers the intellectual contributions of prominent liberal thinkers like John Locke and John Stuart Mill. A central focus is the critique of liberal freedom, particularly from an Islamic perspective, which emphasizes a balanced approach between individual rights and societal obligations. This perspective argues that the freedom advocated by liberalism often contradicts established theoretical and practical values. In conclusion, the research underscores the necessity of harmonizing individual liberties with the broader public good. It critically evaluates liberal conceptions of freedom in terms of their definition, underlying principles, and various manifestations. Employing both descriptive and analytical methods, the research presents diverse perspectives on liberal freedom. A critical methodology is then applied to evaluate these perspectives.

Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)