C1: Liberalism Flashcards
What is Liberalism?
A political ideology that stressed the rights of the individual against the state
What event is considered the classic statement of the Liberal outlook?
The Declaration of Independence in 1776
What is Individualism?
The idea of the inidividual having rightsa that cannot be infringed by the state.
What is the classical Liberal interpretation of individualism?
Egoistical individualism - People are self-sufficient and self-reliant. Society is a collection of separate individuals.
What is the new Liberal interpretation of individualism?
Developmental individualism - State intervention to help the most disadvantaged be self-sufficient is justified.
What is a core idea linked to the concept of individualism?
Tolerance
What is the most important of all Liberal values?
Freedom
What is a positive freedom?
Freedom to do or have something (e.g. freedom to have money)
What is a negative freedom?
Freedom from something (e.g. freedom to privacy)
What do Liberals beleive about the state?
it is a necessary evil: state is needed to avert disorder and protect the vulnerable from exploitation.
What do Liberals argue for regarding the state?
Limited Government: the state should have checks & balances on the exercise of power. This is most often seen in Constitutionalism.
What do Liberals argue for regarding the economy?
Laissez-Faire Capitalism
What is Rationalism?
The idea that individuals should be free to exercise their judgement about their own interests without needing to be guided by external authorities.
What are some examples of Rationalism in action?
Free-market economy: people will do what is best for them
International Relations: War is a last resort, peace is better
United Nations: Interconnectedness leads to more freedom for the people
What equality do Liberals argue for?
Equality of opportunity
What is Foundational Equality?
Everyone starts with the same rights as virtue of being born: They cannot be taken away.
What do Classical Liberals believe about societal inequality?
It is necessary: Meritocracy leads to some people having more than others based on their skills and talents.
What is Liberal Democracy?
Free elections to give the people the power
Limitations on the power of the state
Respect for civil liberties & toleration of differing opinions
What disagreements are there between Liberals around Human nature?
Classical Liberals beleive that people should only be limited where there is risk of threatening the freedom of others. New Liberals are more conscious of injustice, and favour some external intervention to counter this.
What disagreements are there between Liberals around the state?
Classical Liberals believe it should lay down the rules for orderly existence and that’s it. In contrast, Modern Liberals believe that the state needs to work towarsd equality of opportunity.
What disagreements are there between Liberals around the economy?
Classical Liberals beleive in fully free-market capitalism. New Liberals believe that state intervention is necessary, and can help promote sustainable growth and limit the injustice associated with unemployment & poverty.
What disagreements are there between Liberals around society?
Classical Liberals believe in society as a collection of independent individuals, and advocate full meritocracy.
Modern Liberals believe this is not enough, and some state assistance to combat poverty is necessary to allow people to fully flourish.
Why do Classical Liberals support the idea of negative freedom?
It encourages people to take personal responsibility, as they will not receive help from the state.
Why do Modern Liberals suport the idea of Positive freedom?
Negative freedom amounted to little more than ‘freedom to starve’, so positive freedom helps liberate people from social evils such as poverty.
