Philosophy scholar Monte Johnson explains how the early Greek concept of freedom -- a state opposite of slavery – evolved into notions of self-sufficiency, liberality, and independence in speech and action. Though the most influential philosophers of that time, Plato and Aristotle, were dubious of democracy, a government centered on the principle of freedom, they contrasted with other lesser-known Greek philosophers who accentuated the importance of freedom, including Democritus, Protagoras, and Archytas. Johnson is presented as part of the "Degrees of Freedom" series at UC San Diego. (#29103)