摘要：严复最早译介了西方的自由观念，可以说他是近代中国在这方面的启蒙思想家，是中国自由主义的鼻祖。在引介西方自由主义观念的基础上，严复结合了近代中国的国情以及中国的传统文化，提出了自己对自由主义的见解，促进了中国自由主义的产生及发展，不仅对当时中国内忧外患的时局状况有很大的改善作用，在当今的社会依然具有很大的积极影响。但必须指出的是，严复的自由主义思想同样存在着一定的局限性，这是不可避免的，是历史的必然。从整体上来说，严复对近代中国自由主义的产生、传播与发展做出了不可磨灭的贡献，无愧于“自由主义之父”这一称号。

关键词 严复  自由  个性  工具主义

Abstract:Translation Yan Fu earliest Western concept of freedom, we can say that he is the Enlightenment thinkers of modern China in this regard, is the originator of Chinese liberalism.In introducing the concept of Western liberalism, based on a combination of modern China's Yan Fu and Chinese traditional culture conditions, put forward their views on liberalism and promote the emergence and development of Chinese liberalism, not only at the time when China's internal and external Bureau situation has greatly improved role in today's society still has a great positive impact.But it must be pointed out that Yan Fu liberal ideas there are also some limitations, it is inevitable, is a historical necessity.As a whole,Yan Fu generation, dissemination and development of modern Chinese liberalism has made an indelible contribution,worthy of the "father of liberalism," the title.

Key words  Yan Fu   Freedom   Personality   Instrumentalism