B.1.1.2 Individualism (within Liberalism) (core ideas; add back after notes finished on previous slides)

Question 1

Explain the principle of Individualism

Answer 1

• individualism is about ‘prioritising’ & ‘putting the individual first’
• the preservation of individual rights & freedoms above any claims
  by the state or within society are of paramount importance to liberals
• John Locke believed in a principle known as ‘foundational equality’ - that every man’s natural state was one of freedom & in particular the freedom from unnecessary external interference from the state was one of freedom & in particular the freedom from unnecessary external interference from the state

Question 2

What is ‘foundational equality’?

Answer 2

the fundamental belief that all individuals are born with natural rights that entitle them to liberty (freedom), pursuit of happiness, & avoidance of pain

Question 3

What is ‘egotistical individualism’?

Answer 3

• Liberalism -> Classic Liberalism -> Individualism -> Egotistical Individualism
• this is the idea that individual freedom is associated with self interest & self-reliance
• individuals should prioritise their own interests & desires over that of the needs of society
• ‘there is no such thing as society’ - merely a collection of egotistical, self-interested & self-reliant individuals

Question 4

How has egotistic individualism been observed in actuality (examples)?

Answer 4

1. a business owner who refuses to pay their employees a fair wage because they believe that maximising their own profits is more important than the well-being of their workers
2. an individual who refuses to wear a mask during a pandemic because they believe that their own freedom is more important than the health & safety of others

Question 5

What is ‘developmental individualism’?

Answer 5

• individuals must help themselves to improve (this is agreed by both classical AND modern liberals: this could be in the form of bettering themselves to help contribute to society
• **where classical & modern liberals’ views differ is through differences in perspectives about interference: classical liberals think the state should have little interferences as possible in this process whereas modern liberals believe that state intervention can bolster individual development (e.g. state-run education)

Question 6

How has developmental individualism been observed in actuality (examples)?

Answer 6

1. an individual who volunteers at a a local food bank because they believe in helping others & giving back to their community
2. a politician who advocates for policies that promote individual freedom while also addressing systemic issues such as poverty & inequality