Positive Definition and 987 Threads

Positive liberty is the possession of the capacity to act upon one's free will, as opposed to negative liberty, which is freedom from external restraint on one's actions. A concept of positive liberty may also include freedom from internal constraints.The concepts of structure and agency are central to the concept of positive liberty because in order to be free, a person should be free from inhibitions of the social structure in carrying out their free will. Structurally, classism, sexism, ageism, ableism and racism can inhibit a person's freedom. As positive liberty is primarily concerned with the possession of sociological agency, it is enhanced by the ability of citizens to participate in government and have their voices, interests, and concerns recognized and acted upon.
Isaiah Berlin's essay "Two Concepts of Liberty" (1958) is typically acknowledged as the first to explicitly draw the distinction between positive and negative liberty.

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  1. A

    Intuition for positive, negative, and ground voltage

    Can anyone help me develop some insight as to what positive and negative voltage means? I've heard of the analogy to water flowing where amps are viewed as units of water flowing through a certain point per unit time and volts are viewed as how high the water is flowing downwards to the...
  2. S

    Question on positive negative magnetic fields

    1. If the sun is reversing polarity where the northern part of the sun is showing signs of becoming positive and the southern part of the sun is already positive and if two like polarities repel could not the sun ? break in two. 2. question If the sun has two positives end and a negative...
  3. C

    MHB Determine all solutions in positive integers a, b, and c to this equation.

    Determine all solutions for \dfrac{a}{b} + \dfrac{b}{c} + \dfrac{c}{a} \ = \ 5, where \ \ a, \ b, \ and \ \ c \ \ are \ \ positive \ \ integers, \ \ and \ \ a <b < c.
  4. C

    What is the difference of positive and negative charge?

    Hello I am aware of what generates the electric charge of each particle, the virtual fotons around it that the particle generates, and that when two particle interact with each other a foton is exchanged and so forth. My question is though, what generates the positive and negative charge, and...
  5. T

    Engineering Circuit Analysis: Current flowing from negative to positive?

    Homework Statement http://images.4chan.org/sci/src/1340320682704.jpg I am to write KCL equations for this circuit. Why is it that the current flowing AWAY from Node C is written as V2(t). I thought that when a current was flowing AWAY from a node, the current would be -V2(t)...
  6. C

    A positive test charge q is released near a positive fixed charge Q.

    I am not sure if am suppose to consider this charge q, released in the space where there is no friction, or if it is released where there is friction... am I too far from the answer? Because I would assume that it will be in decreasing acceleration. Very confuse with all this topic. Thanks!
  7. T

    Is Beta Positive Decay a Viable Energy Source for Long-Term Power?

    Okay, I have had a idea for some time and I want to see if it will work. first you get Magnesium 24 launch protons at 20 Mev then a decay happens. Now you have Na22 sodium 22 beta positive decays into a anti electron of 1 Mev with its counter particle they annihilation into 2 gamma rays which...
  8. S

    Showing one positive and two neg roots

    Show that the equation x^3-12x-7.2=0 has one positive and two negative roots: I know this can be solved by trial and error, and finding f(0),f(1-4),f(-1 - -4) I have shown that It has two negative roots and one positive however I'm wondering if there is another method on how to show it has...
  9. Y

    Nitrogen Systems: First Positive, Second Positive, First Negative

    What is the "first positive", "second positive", "first negative" systems of nitrogen Hello, I have been trying to catch up on spectroscopy theory, and I'm trying to get a grasp on what all the terms mean. I constantly seem the terms "first positive system", etc... coming up, and I'm not sure...
  10. J

    Difference between positive and negative flow in wires

    Does anyone know if I run 12 volts dc at 1 amp power for a distance of 250 feet and one wire is 12 gauge used for positive and other negative wire is 20 gauge will the smaller ground wire affect what the positive wire can carry? John
  11. B

    Is the Matrix Positive Semidefinite Given the Norm Condition?

    Hello. Homework Statement Let x \in \mathbb R^n and t \in \mathbb R. Prove the following equivalence: \left \| x \right \|_2 \leq t \ \ \Leftrightarrow \ \ \begin{pmatrix} t \cdot I_n & x \\ x^T & t \end{pmatrix} \text{is positive semidefinite } Homework Equations \left...
  12. S

    Negative and positive work - Question

    I accelerate a mass upward by 2G (2×force of gravity) over some change in height Δh_{1}, then I apply only \frac{1}{2}G over some other change in height Δh_{2}. If, over Δh_{2}, the mass still moving upward (but accelerating downwards), am I doing positive work over Δh_{2} even though the mass...
  13. C

    Can a positive integrand oscillate fast enough so that the integral is finite?

    Homework Statement If $$f(x)>0$$ is continuous for all $$x\ge0$$ and the improper integral $$\int_0^{\infty}f(x) dx$$ exists, then $$\lim_{x\rightarrow\infty}f(x)=0.$$ 2. Relevant I think this assertion is false. A counterexample can be constructed along the following lines of...
  14. J

    MHB Number of Positive Integer Pairs for Perfect Squares

    the number of ordered pairs of positive integers $x,$y such that $x^2 +3y$ and $y^2 +3x$ are both perfect squares my solution...
  15. D

    Proof: limit=0 for any positive integer n

    Homework Statement Prove that \lim_{x\to0}\frac{e^\frac{-1}{x^2}}{x^n}=0 for any positive integer n. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I've tried using a combination of induction and l'hopital's rule to no avail. Perhaps I am over complicating it? All help is...
  16. D

    Positive definitive matrix in wikipedia

    Hi all. I have a quick question In this wikilink en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive-definite_matrix in the first example I don't get how they get 2x1^2 -2x1x2+2x2^2-2x2x3+2x3^2 in the third line. Can anyone bother to explain? Thanks a lot
  17. M

    If tan x = k(where k is a positive constant),How is tan( pie/2 − x)=1/k

    Homework Statement The exact question is in question one part ii of http://www.xtremepapers.com/papers/CIE/Cambridge%20International%20A%20and%20AS%20Level/Mathematics%20(9709)/9709_s10_qp_11.pdfHomework Equations The Attempt at a Solution For the first one I just pluged in a value for x, and...
  18. F

    Exploring the Dirac Equation: Positive & Negative Energy Solutions

    Hi! Homework Statement 1. Substituting an ansatz \Psi(x)= u(p) e^{(-i/h) xp} into the Dirac equation and using \{\gamma^i,\gamma^j\} = 2 g^{ij}, show that the Dirac equation has both positive-energy and negative-energy solutions. Which are the allowed values of energy? 2. Starting...
  19. R

    Help needed Analyzing a real op amp with both positive and negative feedback

    Hi this is my first subject in this forum and i hope you can help 1.we have been given an assignment to analyze this non-ideal op amp with both positive and negative feedback and to be honest i don't even know where to start i know i should post an attempt of trying to solve but honestly...
  20. C

    If n is a positive integer n then sqrt(4n-2) is irrational.

    Homework Statement if n is a positive integer than √(4n-2) is irrational. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution √(4n-2) Assume is rational then by definition of rationality √(4n-2)=p/q for some integers p,q where q≠0 so √(2(2n-1))=p/q by factoring out the...
  21. R

    Who first assigned negative to electrons and positive to protons?

    Who first assigned "negative" to electrons and "positive" to protons? a sort of history question... the fact that the actual flow of charge (which are electrons in metal conductors) is in the opposite direction of the "positive" current flow in circuits has always been an annoyance to me...
  22. C

    How to make matrix positive definite (when it is not)?

    Suppose I have a matrix that looks like this [,1] [,2] [1,] 2.415212e-09 9.748863e-10 [2,] -2.415212e-09 5.029136e-10 How do I make it positive definite? I am not looking for specific numerical value answer, but a general approach to this problem. I have heard...
  23. H

    If electricity is flow of electrons and also positive and negative

    if electricity is flow of electrons and also positive and negative charges attract then why electricity needs a conducting medium. electrons has mass and it should just travel through vaccum then why in vacuum electricity cann't travel please reply!
  24. T

    Direction of a positive charge's velocity in an electric field.

    Homework Statement Here is the question with the answer: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/64325990/phys153Q/21.5.PNG The Attempt at a Solution I initially thought it would be A but it isn't and does anyone know why?
  25. P

    Help me understand a line in an ATA is positive, semi-definite proof

    help me understand a line in an "ATA is positive, semi-definite" proof I am looking at a proof for why ATA is positive semi-definite when A is nxn and it has this line. vTAATv = ATv • ATv ≥ 0. I understand what vTAATv means and the purpose of proving that it's nonnegative, etc... My...
  26. P

    Particle in Positive Direction

    Homework Statement d) When is the particle moving in the positive direction? f(t) = cos(πt/4), t ≤ 10 Homework Equations f '(t) = -(π/4)sin(π(t)/4) The Attempt at a Solution 0 < -(π/4)sin(π(t)/4) (π(t)/4)>πn t>4n 0<=n<=2 t>4 t>8 The answer says 8>t>4 im probably...
  27. J

    Geometric series - positive and negative ratio

    Hello, Second term of a geometric series is 48 and the fourth term is 3... Show that one possible value for the common ratio, r, of the series is -1/4 and state the other value. ar=48, ar^3= 3... so ar^3/ar=3/48 which simplifies to r^2 = 1/16, therefore r = 1/4 Can anyone explain where...
  28. S

    Least positive integer, modular problem HELP

    Homework Statement find the least positive integer n for which 5^{n} \equiv 1 (mod17) or 5^{n} \equiv -1 (mod 17) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I really don't understand and method to doing these problems as I can't use a calculator and I can only work out...
  29. H

    Sum of sets with positive measure contains interval

    The original problem is as follows: IF E,F are measurable subset of R and m(E),m(F)>0 then the set E+F contains interval. After several hours of thought, I finally arrived at conclusion that If I can show that m((E+c) \bigcap F) is nonzero for some c in R, then done. But such a...
  30. S

    Is the wilson loop always positive in the lattice simulation?

    More precisely, my question is, Is the wilson loop used to calculate the heavy quark potential always positive in the lattice simulation? (i) as we are usually told, wilson loops of the following form are related with the heavy quark potentials ......... _________ <WC_______... |......|../\ ...
  31. S

    Is the wilson plaue always positive in the lattice simulation?

    More precisely, my question is, Is the wilson loop used to calculate the heavy quark potential always positive in the lattice simulation? (i) as we are usually told, wilson loops of the following form are related with the heavy quark potentials ......... _________ <WC_______... |......|../\ ...
  32. D

    Is the calculated enthelpy of solution more positive

    Homework Statement Because heat is absorbed from the calorimeter from an endothermic dissolving process, is the calculated enthalpy of solution more positive or more negative from what it should be? The Attempt at a Solution I though it would be more positive because an endothermic reaction...
  33. O

    Can an Air Ion Tester Measure Positive Ions?

    http://www.ebay.com.hk/itm/370583387771?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 I have tested it using a 1.3v battery, Once I have switch "ON" this tester, Let the positive end of battery touch on the square metal of the front panel and let the rear square metal of this tester...
  34. MathematicalPhysicist

    Proving the Symplectic Positive Definite Matrix Theorem

    I need any help with the next question I posted in math.stackexchange, thanks. http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/119105/symplectic-positive-definite-matrix
  35. caffeinemachine

    MHB Pairwise difference of 20 positive integers. At least four of em are equal.

    Given $20$ pairwise distinct positive integers each less than $70$. Prove that among their pairwise differences there are at least four equal numbers.
  36. T

    Y''(x) + A sin(y(x)) - B = 0; A,B : positive, real

    Hello there, I have no idea how to solve the differential equation y''(x) + A sin(y(x)) - B = 0 , where A and B are positive real numbers. I do also have initial conditions: y(0) = 0 and y'(0) = 0. I would be grateful for any help.
  37. O

    How to determine the positive or negative charge?

    Red is for + and Black is for -. If I place red rod into positive side of battery and place black rod into negative side of battery, it displays +9V. If my hand is touching the black rod, and the red rod is touching the ground, then it displays a negative value, I would like to know...
  38. anemone

    MHB Can x, y, and z be the side lengths of a triangle?

    Let ABC be a triangle. Prove that $sin^2\frac{A}{2}+sin^2\frac{B}{2}+sin^2\frac{C}{2}+2sin\frac{A}{2}sin\frac{B}{2}sin\frac{C}{2}=1$. Conversely, prove that if x, y and z are positive real numbers such that $x^2y^2+z^2+2xyz=1$, then there is a triangle ABC such that $x=sin\frac{A}{2}...
  39. O

    Determine if a matrix if positive definite

    Given a symmetric matrix A=\left(\begin{array}{ccccc} \sum a_{1s} & & & & \\ & \ddots & & a_{ij} \\ & & \ddots & & \\ &a_{ij} & & \ddots & \\ & & & & \sum w_{as} \end{array}\right) \in\mathbb{R}^{n\times n}, with strictly positive entries a_{ij}, and with the...
  40. kandelabr

    What is the meaning of positive phase in a bode plot?

    Homework Statement I have a bode plot with a positive phase. Homework Equations this is a MATLAB code for the thing % bode phase plot w = logspace(1, 4, 100); G = 100*(1+0.017i*w)./(1i.*w.*(1+0.05i.*w).*(1+0.0025i.*w).*(1+0.001i.*w)); fi = atand(imag(G)./real(G)); semilogx(w, fi); % x-axis...
  41. B

    Negative times negative is positive?

    Probably the stupidest question I have ever asked, but is it possible to prove that the multiplication of two negatives yields a positive? Go easy on me I've asked better questions :D BiP
  42. E

    What makes work positive (electricity)

    I don't really understand the concept of what makes work positive or negative for example if 3 charges are brought together from infinite what is the work done on them? I am extremely confused about what make work positive and negative.
  43. A

    Need help with finding positive time for x(t)= cos(wt) + sin(wt) problem

    Homework Statement This is for a physics class but at this point in the problem it's basic math... which for some reason I can just not figure out. I need to find at what time x(t) = 0 and I keep getting the negative time... I want the first positive time. Homework Equations x(t) =...
  44. G

    Why negative times negative is positive

    hey friend can anybody give answer? why (-) * (-) = (+)
  45. I

    MHB N th root of a positive number is positive ....

    Hi Let \( c>0 \) be a real number. Then I am trying to prove that \( \forall\; n\in\mathbb{N}\; (c^{1/n} >0) \). I let \(n\) be arbitrary and then tried to use method of contradiction. But ran into difficulties. Is there another approach ?
  46. F

    MHB Singularity of Positive Semi Definite Matrices

    Hello,I'm given a sparse symmetric positive semi definite matrix and I want to check whether it is singular or not.What's a quick way to do that? (I can't do any kind of factorization because the matrix can be huge)I know the following:- if any of the diagonal entries is zero, then the matrix is...
  47. T

    Finding Positive Integers for Irrational Number Interval

    someome please help me with this problem: "Any real numbers x and y with 0 < x < y, there exist positive integers p and q such that the irrational number s =( p√2)/q is in the interval (x; y)."
  48. P

    2 unit negative chargees and a positive charge +q are along the same

    2 unit negative chargees and a positive charge +q are along the same line. what should be the magnitude of charge q and in which position must it be placed so that the three charges remain in equilibrium...
  49. H

    Is the square of a function always positive

    I'm curious, is the square of any function always positive? It seems obvious that it's always positive because if you have a function (F), an input (x) and an output (y) then you have y = F(x) And if you square the function then (F(x))2 = y2 which means that every value in the range is...
  50. P

    Prove (n)^(1/n) < 1 + sqrt(2/n) for all positive n.

    Homework Statement Prove: (n)^(1/n) < 1 + sqrt(2/n) for all positive n.Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Using induction, base case is easy enough to prove, however proving it holds for n+1 is where I am hitting a wall. So the problem is reduced to proving: (n+1)^(1/(n+1)) <...
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