Cunning of Freedom: Saving the Self in an Age of False Idols

This book explores the concepts of negative, positive, and inner freedom, analyzing their development in history and their internal logic. It argues that liberalism has impoverished our view of freedom and human nature, leading to the advent of a new form of despotism.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 200 pages
\n Publication date: 28 January 2021
\n Publisher: Encounter Books,USA
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This book explores two distinct currents, each offering a unique perspective on the concept of freedom. The first current delves into an analysis of the three fundamental notions of freedom: negative, positive, and inner. Negative freedom is defined as the absence of coercion, positive freedom as the ability to rule oneself and others, and inner freedom as being oneself, essentially being the author of one's decisions. Each of these concepts is examined in terms of its historical development and internal logic.

The primary challenge of negative freedom lies in establishing widely accepted guidelines for its distribution. Positive freedom faces the task of defining what constitutes a free person. However, the greatest dilemma associated with inner freedom arises from the need to correlate it with the correct interpretation of the human self.

The book posits a thesis, which forms the other prominent thread of its narrative. It suggests that we have been witnessing the emergence of a new form of despotism, largely influenced by the dominant position of liberalism. This is primarily due to the reductionist stance adopted by liberalism, which has impoverished our understanding of freedom and, consequently, our conception of human nature encompassing its political, moral, and metaphysical dimensions.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted concept of freedom, shedding light on its historical development, internal logic, and the challenges it presents. Through its analysis, it highlights the limitations of traditional liberalism and advocates for a more holistic understanding of human nature and freedom that encompasses both individual and collective dimensions.

\n Weight: 434g\n
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781641771375\n \n