Final answer:
William Rowe argues that genuine freedom consists of the power to act according to one's free will without external coercion or internal limitations. Historical movements for freedom, like the Civil Rights Movement, apply this understanding by practicing freedom daily through intentional actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding William Rowe's Argument on Freedom
The concept of freedom as argued by William Rowe touches upon a deep philosophical discourse related to human liberty.
Rowe suggests that true freedom encompasses not just the absence of physical bondage, but the presence of certain powers or capacities within an individual.
True freedom enables a person to act according to their own will, without being hindered by both external constraints (such as oppression or coercion) and internal limitations (like those created by unchecked passions or impulses).
In the context of historical movements for freedom, such as the struggle against slavery and for civil rights, this notion of freedom goes beyond mere emancipation to include the power to shape one's own destiny and to live with dignity.
The ability for individuals or groups to practice freedom intentionally is highlighted by both the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and philosopher Michel Foucault.
They emphasize that institutions alone cannot guarantee freedom; rather, it is the continuous exercise of freedom through daily actions and decisions that shapes an individual’s reality.
To fully realize one's freedom, the possession of certain resources like land, as well as the ability to work and live autonomously, are essential.
This not only involves the right to earn and enjoy the fruits of one's labor but also the right to defend oneself against forces that attempt to unjustly curtail personal liberties.
The struggle for freedom is nuanced and entails both overcoming physical bondage and cultivating the power and capacity to make free choices within society.