10.1 Core Ideas - Libertarianism Flashcards
What does libertarianism emphasise?
Negative freedom
What economist did traditional conservative Edmund Burke support?
Adam Smith, the champion of laissez-faire economics
When did income tax become a permanent feature in the UK?
1842
When did income tax become a permanent feature in the US?
In 1913 with the 16th Amendment
What term is Ayn Rand closely associated with?
‘Atomistic individualism’
What is ‘atomistic individualism’?
Autonomous individuals seek rationalised self-fulfilment
How does Ayn Rand view society?
She believes that society does not exist and that we are a loose collection of independent beings
What do neo-liberals reject?
Pessimistic human imperfection
What did Nozick and Rand reject? (not human imperfection)
Empricism
What type of individualism do neo-liberals advocate?
Egotistical individualism
Why do neo-liberals disagree with the principle of noblesse oblige?
It restricts individuals’ development as it limits choice and prevents them from learning from their mistakes
What does neo-liberalism challenge the idea of, which traditional conservatives believe in?
Traditional conservative hierarchies and the legitimacy of the state with all of its organic traditions
What do neo-liberals believe about society?
It is atomistic and should be organised on meritocratic terms
What is a Robert Nozick quote about individuals?
‘There are only individual people, different individual people, with their own lives’
What do neo-liberals see the role of the state as?
They have the role of a nightwatchman - overseeing the rule of law and protecting the rights of individuals from criminals and foreign invaders
What is a Robert Nozick quote about tax?
‘Tax, for the most part, is theft’
What did neo-liberal economist Friedrich Hayek argue for the abolition of?
Expensive welfare states - they will eventually bankrupt society
Who do neo-liberals believe should have their powers curtailed as they obstruct the free market?
Trade unions
What did Nozick and Rand argue was the gravest contemporary threat to individual freedom?
The growth of the state
