6. How do liberals view human nature, society, the state, and the economy Flashcards
how do classical liberals view individualism (human nature)
Egoistical individualism – people are primarily concerned with pursuing their self-interest – they owe little or nothing to society
how do classical liberals view rationalism (human nature)
Utilitarianism – the most rational actions, laws, etc. are those that produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number
how do classical liberals view tolerance (human nature)
Harm Principle – it is not justifiable to interfere with self-regarding actions, even if they are harming to the individual
how do classical liberals view individualism (society)
Atomistic society – society is no more than a collection of self-interested individuals, acting in their own, not society’s interest
how do classical liberals view rights and liberties (society)
Negative freedom/ rights – freedom from constraints – society only exists to limit the outside interference of others
how do classical liberals view equality (society)
Formal equality of opportunity – jobs/ offices should be open to all individuals – no one should be discriminated against
how do classical liberals view limited government (the state)
Minimal state – the state should protect negative freedom, negative rights, and guarantee formal equality of opportunity
how do classical liberals view individualism (the state)
Negative freedom – welfare and state intervention makes individuals less self-reliant and more dependent on the state
how do classical liberals view liberal democracy (the state)
Negative rights – concerned by majoritarianism, and the threat that extending the franchise posed to property rights
how do classical liberals view capitalism (the economy)
Laissez-faire – if individuals are left to pursue self-interest then the market will be efficiently guided by an ‘invisible hand’
how do classical liberals view private property (the economy)
Negative rights – property is a natural right – the private ownership of land, factories, etc. will enrich the entire nation
how do classical liberals view taxation (the economy)
Taxation should be minimal – it punishes hard work and success and should only be used to fund a minimal, night-watchman state
how do modern liberals view individualism (human nature)
Developmental individualism – focuses on the extent to which all individuals are able to grow and achieve their potential
how do modern liberals view rationalism (human nature)
Higher and lower pleasures – the actions with the most utility are those that enable us to progress and develop our individuality
how do modern liberals view tolerance (human nature)
Enabling state/ positive freedom – individuals might need help in identifying their real interests and pursuing higher pleasures
how do modern liberals view individualism (society)
Common good – self-realisation is not possible in isolation – our rights, freedom and growth depends on other people
how do modern liberals view rights and liberties (society)
Positive freedom/ rights – ‘true’ freedom to grow and achieve our goals is not possible in isolation, it requires others
how do modern liberals view equality (society)
Fair/ substantive equality of opportunity – those born with disadvantages should still have the same opportunities as others
how do modern liberals view limited government (the state)
Enabling state – the state should promote positive freedom, positive rights, and substantive equality of opportunity
how do modern liberals view individualism (the state)
Positive freedom – if individuals are to be truly self-reliant, the state must ensure that they live in enabling conditions
how do modern liberals view liberal democracy (the state)
Developmental individualism – all individuals should engage in political debate, so that they can learn and express their views
how do modern liberals view capitalism (the economy)
Keynesian economics – the government should manage demand to keep unemployment low, and promote freedom
how do modern liberals view private property (the economy)
Positive rights – redistribution is necessary to promote positive freedom and substantive equality of opportunity
how do modern liberals view taxation (the economy)
Society contributes much to wealth creation – taxation isn’t redistribution, it’s society taking its fair share for it’s contribution
