6. How do liberals view human nature, society, the state,​ and the economy

Question 1

how do classical liberals view individualism (human nature)

Answer 1

Egoistical individualism – people are primarily concerned with pursuing their self-interest – they owe little or nothing to society

Question 2

how do classical liberals view rationalism (human nature)

Answer 2

Utilitarianism – the most rational actions, laws, etc. are those that produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number

Question 3

how do classical liberals view tolerance (human nature)

Answer 3

Harm Principle – it is not justifiable to interfere with self-regarding actions, even if they are harming to the individual

Question 4

how do classical liberals view individualism (society)

Answer 4

Atomistic society – society is no more than a collection of self-interested individuals, acting in their own, not society’s interest

Question 5

how do classical liberals view rights and liberties (society)

Answer 5

Negative freedom/ rights – freedom from constraints – society only exists to limit the outside interference of others

Question 6

how do classical liberals view equality (society)

Answer 6

Formal equality of opportunity – jobs/ offices should be open to all individuals – no one should be discriminated against

Question 7

how do classical liberals view limited government (the state)

Answer 7

Minimal state – the state should protect negative freedom, negative rights, and guarantee formal equality of opportunity

Question 8

how do classical liberals view individualism (the state)

Answer 8

Negative freedom – welfare and state intervention makes individuals less self-reliant and more dependent on the state

Question 9

how do classical liberals view liberal democracy (the state)

Answer 9

Negative rights – concerned by majoritarianism, and the threat that extending the franchise posed to property rights

Question 10

how do classical liberals view capitalism (the economy)

Answer 10

Laissez-faire – if individuals are left to pursue self-interest then the market will be efficiently guided by an ‘invisible hand’

Question 11

how do classical liberals view private property (the economy)

Answer 11

Negative rights – property is a natural right – the private ownership of land, factories, etc. will enrich the entire nation

Question 12

how do classical liberals view taxation (the economy)

Answer 12

Taxation should be minimal – it punishes hard work and success and should only be used to fund a minimal, night-watchman state

Question 13

how do modern liberals view individualism (human nature)

Answer 13

Developmental individualism – focuses on the extent to which all individuals are able to grow and achieve their potential

Question 14

how do modern liberals view rationalism (human nature)

Answer 14

Higher and lower pleasures – the actions with the most utility are those that enable us to progress and develop our individuality

Question 15

how do modern liberals view tolerance (human nature)

Answer 15

Enabling state/ positive freedom – individuals might need help in identifying their real interests and pursuing higher pleasures

Question 16

how do modern liberals view individualism (society)

Answer 16

Common good – self-realisation is not possible in isolation – our rights, freedom and growth depends on other people

Question 17

how do modern liberals view rights and liberties (society)

Answer 17

Positive freedom/ rights – ‘true’ freedom to grow and achieve our goals is not possible in isolation, it requires others

Question 18

how do modern liberals view equality (society)

Answer 18

Fair/ substantive equality of opportunity – those born with disadvantages should still have the same opportunities as others

Question 19

how do modern liberals view limited government (the state)

Answer 19

Enabling state – the state should promote positive freedom, positive rights, and substantive equality of opportunity

Question 20

how do modern liberals view individualism (the state)

Answer 20

Positive freedom – if individuals are to be truly self-reliant, the state must ensure that they live in enabling conditions

Question 21

how do modern liberals view liberal democracy (the state)

Answer 21

Developmental individualism – all individuals should engage in political debate, so that they can learn and express their views

Question 22

how do modern liberals view capitalism (the economy)

Answer 22

Keynesian economics – the government should manage demand to keep unemployment low, and promote freedom

Question 23

how do modern liberals view private property (the economy)

Answer 23

Positive rights – redistribution is necessary to promote positive freedom and substantive equality of opportunity

Question 24

how do modern liberals view taxation (the economy)

Answer 24

Society contributes much to wealth creation – taxation isn’t redistribution, it’s society taking its fair share for it’s contribution