UPSC Prelims 2019 · GS Paper I
Question 85: Polity and Governance
In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
In political theory, liberty is not mere absence of restraint, which would let the strong dominate, nor doing whatever one likes. Its fuller sense, in line with the Preamble's liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, is the opportunity to develop oneself fully. Protection against tyrannical rulers is only a part of it. The most appropriate definition is therefore the opportunity to develop oneself fully.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Protection against rulers is only one part of liberty.
- (b) Absence of restraint is a narrow, negative idea of liberty.
- (c) Doing whatever one likes would harm others' liberty.
- (d) Correct: liberty is the opportunity to develop oneself fully.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.