Definition of liberty

The word "liberty" originated from the Latin word "libertas," which was used to signify freedom, particularly the freedom of a Roman citizen from slavery or oppression. The word was employed in ancient Rome to describe the concept of civic rights, such as the right to speak and worship freely. The concept of liberty as a fundamental human right was embraced during the Enlightenment era in Europe. Enlightened thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the importance of individual liberty and the need to protect it from arbitrary power. The ideas of liberty and freedom were also closely tied to the American and French Revolutions, which advocated for popular sovereignty and constitutional government. Today, the term "liberty" is used to refer to the fundamental human right to be free from arbitrary restrictions and to act according to one's values, beliefs, and conscience. It encompasses a range of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, thought, and assembly, as well as the right to a fair trial and due process of law. Liberty is also recognized as a universal human right in major international documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and various international treaties.