Date: 8 October 2025
Time: 10:00-11:45
Venue: Institute for Futures Studies,Holländargatan 13 in Stockholm or online
Research seminar with Martin Van Hees, professor of Moral and Political Philosophy at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Abstract
The ideals of liberalism and the values of freedom are under increasing pressure. In this presentation—based on joint work with Keith Dowding —I use these challenges a sa starting point to critically assess the existing philosophical literature onfreedom. This body of literature is largely shaped by the question of how to conceptualize freedom, and various interpretations of the concept have been proposed. I will introduce several perspectives for evaluating these conceptions, including some that are new to the literature. While I argue that no single account clearly emerges as superior, I suggest that revisiting Berlin’s distinction between negative and positive freedom—together with his commitment to pluralism—can offer valuable insights into how we might address the current challenges facing freedom and liberalism.
If you wish to receive our newsletters, and invitations to our seminars, subscribe here.
