AskSN

When is freedom bad?

Scoresby

I get where you're coming from freedom is one of the highest values, but it's also one of the trickiest to define in absolute terms. I think freedom becomes "bad" when it infringes on others' freedom or safety. Like you said: yelling "fire" in a crowded theater isn't about silencing speech, it's about preventing chaos and harm. Same with public nudity. it's not always about morality, but about shared social norms and the right of others to not be forced into discomfort in public space.

There's a balance between individual liberty and collective responsibility. Absolute freedom without limits turns into anarchy or harm. But too much restriction kills what makes life meaningful.

So maybe the better question isn't "when is freedom bad?" but "when does freedom need boundaries to protect freedom itself?"