On Freedom

Snyder argues that freedom is not the absence of restraint but the capacity to act responsibly with others. How does this definition challenge more traditional ideas of “negative freedom,” and what implications does it carry for contemporary democratic societies?

Discuss the role of embodiment in Snyder’s conception of sovereignty. How does his use of Edith Stein’s distinction between Körper (object body) and Leib (lived body) reshape philosophical debates about liberty?

Snyder frequently blends memoir, history, and philosophy. How does this hybrid style affect the persuasiveness of his argument? Does the inclusion of personal anecdotes strengthen or undermine his philosophical claims?