ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a review of the conceptions of positive freedom before Immanuel Kant’s time. The conception of autonomy has an important place in Western liberalism. It is a part of law, and of culture. The roots of the Kantian concept of autonomy as positive freedom have been traced back to classical Greece. The categorical imperative requires one to respect the autonomy and dignity of others. Because autonomy grounds dignity, all rational beings have dignity – and must show and be shown respect. The essence of positive freedom as obligation is apparent from another set of relations generally dichotomized, but that bears common elements: the Right and the Good. Conceptions similar to Kantian theory are apparent in Jewish thought: freedom linked with obligation calling forth duties of respect; the Right and the Good; and perfectionism. Positive freedom as the obligation of respect is both a Right and a Good.
