PLC3701 EXAM
PACK 2024
QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
FOR ASSISTANCE CONTACT
EMAIL:gabrielmusyoka940@gmail.com
, For assignments 2, answer any one question from the following six (6) questions
Question 1
Politically, Locke proclaimed freedom in a negative sense as freedom from coercion by the
state. He regarded the people as sovereign and believed in restricting the powers of the
legislature and the executive. More (2014), in contrast, posits that freedom is more than the
absence of external limitation or obstacles (liberty). Critically discuss the meaning of freedom and the
relationship between internal and external freedom with reference to the ‘postapartheid’ South
African context.
The discussion of freedom, particularly in the context of political philosophy, has been a nuanced and
evolving concept. The perspectives of thinkers like John Locke, who emphasized negative freedom as
freedom from state coercion, and the more contemporary ideas presented by authors like More (2014),
who argue that freedom is more than the absence of external limitations, provide a rich backdrop for
exploring the meaning of freedom.
John Locke's conception of freedom, rooted in classical liberalism, posits that individuals have a natural
right to life, liberty, and property. He saw freedom primarily as the absence of external constraints
imposed by the state. In this negative sense of freedom, individuals are free when they are not subject to
interference or coercion by governmental authorities. Locke's ideas have played a significant role in
shaping the political thought of many liberal democracies.
On the other hand, More's perspective introduces a more expansive understanding of freedom. By
emphasizing that freedom is more than the absence of external limitations, More suggests that true
freedom also involves the positive ability to pursue one's goals and interests. This notion aligns with the
idea of positive freedom, which emphasizes the presence of opportunities and capabilities for individuals
to lead fulfilling lives.
Now, let's apply these concepts to the 'postapartheid' South African context. The end of apartheid
marked a crucial moment in South Africa's history, symbolizing the triumph of freedom over
institutionalized racial oppression. However, the complexities of freedom in this context go beyond the
absence of external limitations.
Internally, individuals in postapartheid South Africa may still grapple with social, economic, and cultural
obstacles that hinder their ability to fully exercise their freedom. Factors such as systemic inequality,
poverty, and historical legacies of discrimination can pose internal barriers to realizing genuine freedom.
In this sense, internal freedom involves the capability and empowerment of individuals to overcome
these internal challenges.
Externally, the political and legal landscape plays a crucial role in ensuring freedom from coercion or
discrimination. The South African constitution, with its emphasis on human rights and equality, provides
a framework for protecting individuals from external limitations on their freedom. However, the effective
implementation of these constitutional principles is an ongoing process, and challenges persist.
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