A Formula for the Measurement of Freedom

Abstract

In this paper I shall explore how it is possible to measure freedom defined as whether or not a definite set of choices are actually available to a people, who have enough effective power to exercise them, regardless of whether they may or may not wish so. At first, two sets of data produced by two leading organizations—Freedom House and Human Development Programme—will be examined. Then, it will be suggested how it is feasible and advantageous to couple these two methods in order to set forth a more comprehensive formula. The primary objective of this paper is to present this formula.