1 Liberalism: core ideas and principles Flashcards
KEY TERMINOLOGY - individualism
the primacy of the individual in society over any group – to cover egoistical individualism and developmental individualism
KEY TERMINOLOGY - freedom/liberty
the ability and right to make decisions in your own interests based on your view of human nature – to cover how liberals guarantee individual freedom, the link between freedom and individualism, that freedom is ‘under the law’
KEY TERMINOLOGY - state
it is ‘necessary’ to avoid disorder, but ‘evil’ as it
has potential to remove individual liberty, thus should be limited; this is linked to the liberal view of the economy
KEY TERMINOLOGY - rationalism
the belief that humans are rational creatures, capable of reason and logic – to cover how rationalism underpins an individual’s ability to define their own best interests and make their own moral choices, creating a progressive society
KEY TERMINOLOGY - equality/social justice
the belief that individuals are of equal value and that they should be treated impartially and fairly by society – to cover foundational and formal equality, and equality of opportunity
KEY TERMINOLOGY - liberal democracy
a democracy that balances the will of the people and a respect for civil liberties in society – to cover why liberals support it as well as why they are concerned about it.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Foundational equality
Rights that all humans have by virtue of being born, which cannot be taken away.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Formal equality
The idea that all individuals have the same legal and political rights in society, based on Aristotle’s idea that things that are alike should be treated alike.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Equality of opportunity
The idea that all individuals should have equal chances
in life to rise and fall.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Social contract
An unofficial agreement shared by everyone in a society in which they give up some freedom in return for security.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Meritocracy
A society organised on the basis that success is based on ability and hard work.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Mechanistic theory
The theory that people created the state to serve them and
act in their interests.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Tolerance
A willingness to accept values, customs and beliefs with which one disagrees.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Limited government
The role of government is limited by checks and balances, and a separation of powers, as a bulwark against corruption.
