Modern liberty-as-noninterference originated among authoritarian writers opposing American independence

Evidence

If the story so far is correct, then liberty as non-interference first appeared in the writings of authoritarians like Hobbes and Filmer and then achieved a certain popularity in the tracts of Tories who were opposed to American independence. Hardly an auspicious debut. But if the notion had relatively sordid origins, it quickly attained a respectable status, not just among authoritarians and reactionaries, but also among those who saw themselves as advancing the cause of democracy and freedom. — Philip Pettit, Republicanism, 239

Categorization

• SEED: Strong essay angle: the genealogy of a supposedly ‘modern’ liberal concept through its reactionary, imperial roots — how the very notion progressives wield today was forged to justify colonial rule.
• XREF: connects to: Contrasting liberty with slavery reveals a non-domination rather than non-interference theory of freedom. — Philip Pettit, Republicanism: A Theory of Freedom and…, 170; The negative liberty idea was forged by opponents, not supporters, of the American Revolution — Philip Pettit, Republicanism: A Theory of Freedom and…, 119; Paley reports that common discourse defined liberty as security against arbitrary interference. — Philip Pettit, Republicanism: A Theory of Freedom and…, 242

Broader Connections

• Contrasting liberty with slavery reveals a non-domination rather than non-interference theory of freedom. #contradicts (0.85) — Philip Pettit, Republicanism, 170