What is Freedom? Conversations with Historians, Philosophers, and Activists

This book presents a unique collection of interviews on the meaning of freedom in the modern world. Drawing on the expertise of the world's leading historians, philosophers, and most influential activist it takes up the question of our highest ideal from a diverse and exciting range of perspectives.



All of us feel the presence of freedom in how we conceptualize, interact with, and accept or reject our political and economic institutions. But what is it? Where did this value come from? How should we describe it in theory? How should we pursue it in practice? For the past two years activist Toby Buckle, host of the popular Political Philosophy Podcast, has interviewed many of the world's leading historians, philosophers, and activists to try and understand freedom's meanings and applications in the modern world. Through a series of accessible interviews this volume introduces the reader to many of the contemporary ideas and debates about freedom from a wide range of perspectives in an engaging conversational presentation. Featuring a foreword by Cécile Fabre, the book includes contributions from Elizabeth Anderson, Mary Frances Berry, Ian Dunt, Michael Freeden, Nancy Hirschmann, Omar Khan, Dale Martin, Orlando Patterson, Phillip Pettit, John Skorupski, Peter Tatchell, and Zephyr Teachout.