ABSTRACT
The examination of the concepts of ‘freedom’ and ‘equality’ in the preceding chapters has been brief. A lot more could have been said about most of the points raised, and many other points might have been raised. But I have made the point that I regard as all-important: in the case of both freedom and equality it seemed clear that there was something – possibly more than one thing – in the light of which assessments had to be made. There is something in the light of which freedom may be restricted. This ‘something’ might in practice be such that certain specific freedoms would never be interfered with. But clearly there can be good reason to stop people doing certain things. Likewise, although treating some people as if they were not deserving of consideration seemed objectionable, it is clear that in principle good reason can be given for treating people differently in specific circumstances.
