ABSTRACT
“Coercion signifies, in general, the imposition of external regulation and control upon persons, by threat or use of force and power.” So says the Dictionary of the Social Sciences. As the reader will discover for himself, this definition does not meet with universal acceptance. In particular, the distaff member of our team takes issue, arguing that more subtle forms of influence than force and power may qualify. By any definition, however, “coercion” invites contrast with “liberty” or “freedom,” as in the title of Bernard Gert’s chapter. Is one the obverse of the other? Indeed, it might even be suggested that in discussing one of these concepts much or all of what it would be appropriate to say about the other has already been covered.
