Bergmann has written an eminently readable, wise, and provocative book. It is . . . scholarly without being narrowly 'academic'; it attacks a host of popular myths and penetrates the fog that surrounds many a learned discussion about human freedom; and it ventures to make practical suggestions about how society can increase the possibilities of freedom among its members. . . . It provokes much thought . . . and lets . . . fresh air into the musty chambers of perennial problems. -Modern Age
On Being Free . . . is an important and highly insightful book for philosophers and for philosophy teachers. . . . Bergmann has the capacity to present complex issues without simplification in a manner that creates interest and concern on the part of the student. He makes some of the traditional philosophic issues come to life through his original and perceptive slant on the problems. . . . Most importantly, Bergmann's style, approach, and content exhibit how to teach philosophy. This is a damn good book. -Teaching Philosophy
This is in many ways an admirable book, both a pleasure and stimulus to read. It is about important topics; it not only claims to display crucial relationship between philosophical and practical issues, but something much more rare-it actually enters into details of both philosophical and practical matters in a way which shows the essential and not merely the exemplificatory continuity of the two; and it does all this in a language wholly accessible to the proverbial layman. . . . This is without doubt both a very clear and very stimulating book. It leaves one eager to engage in its arguments and to take them further. -Nous
Bergmann's accomplishment is substantial. His is the most important philosophical examination of freedom since Isaiah Berlin's celebrated essay of a generation ago. -Social Science Quarterly
Frithjof Bergmann is professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of Michigan.