9.3 - Liberalism Core Ideas and Principles Flashcards
What are the core ideas of Liberalism?
- Individualism
- Freedom / Liberty
- The state (a necessary evil)
- Rationalism
- Equality and Social Justice
- Liberal Democracy
What do Liberals believe about individualism?
The preservation of individual rights and freedom are above any claims by the state within society.
What is foundational equality?
All individuals are born with natural rights which entitle them to:
* Liberty
* Pursuit of happiness
* Avoidance of pain
Translates to the rule of law where all people are treated equally under the law.
What does modern liberalism argue in counter to classical liberalism in regards to the equality of society?
Classical liberalism underplays the level of inequality in society.
Society is not equal and some individuals have a distinct advantage over other.
Negative freedoms practiced by classical liberalism only exacerbates the inequalities rather than addressing them.
What do modern liberals think determine one’s societal position?
- Race
- Gender
- Social Class
- Innate Intelligence
etc.
These determinants are of great importance as to whether an individual thrived or underachieved in society.
What is egotistical individualism?
Individual freedom is associated with a rational sense of self-reliance and self-interest.
What is developmental individualism?
Individuals must help themselves in order to improve.
Classical liberals feel the state should interfere as little as possible in this process.
Modern liberals feel the state can assist in an individuals development via intervention. (free education)
What is the classical liberal attitude towards individualism?
- The primary motivation of an individual is egotistical individualism.
- Freedom of the individual is sacrosanct.
- The state should be small (maintaining law and order, protecting from invasion) [Sometimes called negative freedom]
What is formal equality?
Every individual is entitled to equal treatment in society.
Equality of opportunity, abolition of artificial social distinctions such as gender inequality.
What is modern liberalism attitude towards individualism?
- Positive freedoms to make society fairer through developmental individualism.
- The state must offer a ‘hand up’ if every individual is to achieve the goal of self-reliance.
- Expand state involvement if the needs arise (post WW2)
- An interventionist state is the only way to ensure human rights of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ are met.
What did Locke think of alternative religions and political views?
He focused on respecting them.
How has individual tolerance been extended in the twenty-first century?
Towards homosexuals and (possibly) transgendered people.
What is the social contract?
The government makes itself accountable to people and to operate within the law.
The people in turn agree to obey laws and uphold security of the state.
What is limited government?
A governments should be constrained by strong laws and constraints.
Both neo-liberals and classical liberals believe strongly in this form of government.
All branches of liberalism support entrenched constitutions and the separation of powers to reinforce limited government.
What is laissez-faire capitalism?
The theory that wealth creation and capitalism are enhanced if the state does not interfere with the market for goods, services and labour.
What were early liberals particularly resentful of?
Authoritarian government.
Absolute monarchies.
What did Locke argue as to the link between freedom and law?
‘Where there is no law there is no liberty’
What is the role of government according to Locke?
Protection of man’s right to ‘life, liberty and estate’.
The state should mediate between competiting individuals to enforce order, protect property rights and prevent breach of contracts / fraud.
What did early liberals think of absolute monarchies?
They are illegitimate.
The state should be constructed by a social contract in which individuals are governed by consent.
Rationalistic proposition that individuals would be willing to enter into a social contract to allow the state to act as a neutral umpire to resolve clashes.
The American Revolution proved an excellent example of the social contract with the constitution.
What was Adam Smith’s book?
‘the Wealth of Nations’ 1776.
How did J.S. Mill broaden what was meant by freedom?
- Advocation for freedom of speech, thought and religion (unless they pose a threat to others)
- Individuals should be free from interference even if they harm themselves (harm principle)
What type of society does classical liberalism think exists?
Atomistic.
Individuals collect with their own interests.
People should not have to serve a broader ‘public interest’ or ‘common good’.
What did classical liberals think of welfare?
Should not be provided by the state as this just makes people dependent on the state.
What moral right did J.S. Mill think the state had?
A moral right to educate individuals.
(Start of modern liberalism)
What did T.H. Green think of atomism in classical liberalism?
He disagreed, thinking society was organic with a common good and that public interest coincided with individual interests.
What did Green realise about negative freedoms?
They are good, but they do not take into account the threat of freedom due to social and material disadvantage within society and the economy.
