9.4 - Different Views and Tensions within Liberalism Flashcards
Why is there a disconnect between the two strands of liberalism?
They both have fundamentally different understandings of what freedom means and therefore, they have fundamentally different understandings on how this informs the role of the state.
What type of freedom does classical liberalism believe in?
Negative freedom.
How did classical liberals implement negative freedom?
Advocation for a society with freedom of thought, discussion, religion and assembly.
‘Harm principle’ as well.
Classical liberalism does not believe in egoistical individualism. T/F?
False.
They do believe in egoistical individualism.
Why did Mills think that egoistical individualism was the best way to organise society?
- Individuals are sovereign and capable of free will to organise their lives.
- This would make individuals freer in a negative-freedom based society and also facilitate development as individuals.
Why do classical liberals advocate for minimal state intervention for welfare and the like?
Expanding the role of the state for paternalistic functions is at the expense of individual liberty and therefore oppressive.
Why is compulsory welfare oppressive according to classical liberals?
Compulsory welfare states require taxation.
People might not need the welfare, but they must pay the taxation which is oppressive.
Who is known as the transitional liberal?
John Stuart Mill.
Why is John Stuart Mill a transitional liberal?
His later ideas advocated aspects of developmental individualism (universal education for an example)
How can modern liberalism be seen relative to classical liberalism?
Modern liberalism is both contradiction and continuation of classical liberalism.
Which key thinkers are most associated with modern liberalism?
T.H. Green
John Rawls
How do modern liberals argue that people can be self-reliant?
They require a hand up from the state for everyone to achieve this goal.
Why do modern liberals take issue with classical liberalism’s negative freedom?
The lack of state assistance only compounds the problems of economic and social disadvantage.
What do modern liberals think positive freedom will do?
‘Level the playing field’.
It should ensure everyone gets close to equality of opportunity and social justice.
What is the link between neo-liberalism and liberalism?
Classical liberals are seen as the predecessors to neo-liberals.
Which Conservative Key Thinkers were influenced by classical liberal ideas?
Rand and Nozick.
What is the mechanistic theory of the state?
The state is not organic, but created by individuals to serve themselves and their best interests.
How do classical and modern liberals disagree over the mechanistic theory of the state?
- Classical liberals feel the state should be small and limited to maintaining law and order.
- Modern liberals feel the state should be larger to create conditions of freedom.
How did Mill argue on behalf of Negative Freedoms?
- Atrophy
- Overload
- Initiative
- Corruption
What was Mill’s argument for atrophy?
If the state intereferes and therefore restricts individual autonomy it will arrest individuals’ development.