Freedom and Disability Rights: Dependence, Independence, and Interdependence

Abstract

The increasing focus on disability rights---as found, for instance, in the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)---challenges philosophical imaginaries. This article broadens the philosophical imaginary of freedom by exploring the relation of dependence, independence, and interdependence in the lives of people with disabilities. It argues (1) that traditional concepts of freedom are rather insensitive to difference within humanity, and (2) that the lives of people with severe disabilities challenge philosophers to argue and conceptualize freedom not only as independence and interdependence but also as dependence. After tracing this need through a Hegelian understanding, via Julia Kristevas work on disability, and finally the CRPD, it concludes that a unified solution might not be possible. Hence, it argues that disability issues necessitate philosophical modesty.

The lived experience of freedom among entrepreneurs with disabilities

“…Hull (2009, p. 39) argues, however, that both natural and social contingencies are among the constraints that are “ definitive of liberty ” rather than merely affecting its worth. Considering impairments as limiting only positive freedom would obscure social injustice, constituting disability as a source of “unfreedom” (Bostad and Hanisch, 2016). It would perpetuate the ableist idea that non-disabled people – the “ special-typical individual citizen ” – are more entitled to certain freedoms: the freedom of movement, self-direction, opportunity in employment and education as well as social participation (Campbell, 2009).…”

“…While some authors claim that there is a need to rethink freedom in the context of disability (Bostad and Hanisch, 2016), disability literature is less than elaborate on the topic. Moreover, regarding the various obstacles that hinder the lives of PWD, the nature of these restraints and their effect on freedom are also disputed.…”

“…The distinction between positive and negative freedom in relation to disability is contested, claiming that these are logically linked (Feinberg, 1973). Other authors stress that traditional concepts of freedom are “ insensitive to difference within humanity ” (Bostad and Hanisch, 2016, p. 371) and that freedom should include the notion of vulnerability and be conceptualised not only as independence and interdependence but also as dependence (Kristeva, 2010). This paper nevertheless claims that understanding the dynamics between the various forms of freedom regarding disability within an ableist environment adds to the understanding of social injustice and discrimination.…”

Philosophy of education in a new key: Education for justice now

“…Hopefully, this tension creates the subtle pressure needed to argue, defend and carefully criticize the relation between pedagogy and justice, and as I see it, the manner in which education promises justice, resting on a tragic mix of competing, invisible and paradoxical imagines of justice. Ideals of autonomy, independence and rationality imbedded in the theories of justice challenge and empower vulnerable groups (Bostad & Hanisch, 2016) due to the competing theories of justice entailing contrasts and dilemmas: Educational justice for the individual, society, for the legal order or for the world?…”

Self-Determination: What can we Learn from Persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities?

“…Although some consider these suggestions less relevant to the lives of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) (Bostad & Hanisch 2016), these presumptions remain forceful even in this research area. Choicemaking or independency are topics in most studies involving self-determination and persons with severe disabilities.…”