ABSTRACT
When I was invited to present this lecture – and in German – I had quite a variety of objections. It seemed to me more fitting to speak about freedom in English than in German. But that was not an essential consideration. What was really essential was the vast scope of the subject, which seemed more suitable for a political philosopher than for a mere historian. In addition, there was the almost unbelievable task of speaking about freedom in the city of Pericles. When I accepted the invitation I was fully aware that I was inadequately equipped for the task (and this is not false modesty), but I hoped to be able to say something that would lead away from the common catchphrases. I can offer little more than a few suggestions for discussion, and nobody, I think, will expect to hear anything final.
