Freedom is the right, or the capacity, of self-determination, as an expression of the individual free will.

Traditionally philosophers have distinguished two senses of the word "freedom". The most common use is "negative" and is defined as the absence of constraint. Thus for Hobbes, one is free when the law is silent on a subject. But "freedom" is also used in another "positive" sense, where freedom is defined as the ability to transcend the social and cultural restraints which limit the potential of the individual for self-actualization. This latter sense is common to the romantic and individualistic philosophy of 19th century Germany.

Another common distinction made between kinds of freedom is the difference between "freedom from" social and political ills (which is really more accurately described as safety or security), and "freedom to" do what one wants (for which the term "liberty" is more precise).
In Anglo-American legal thought, there is a need connection between "freedom" and human rights in that freedom is often defined in terms of lack of government interference. This view of freedom has been criticized by many, including Marxists, for ignoring the social conditions and disabilities that a person may be subject to.

Tell me

EXACTLY

what is

FREEDOM

for you?