Classical liberalism

Question 1

when did classical liberalism emerge?

Answer 1

• in the 17th century
• linked back to the reformation when protestants challenged the authoritarian control of the catholic church by advocating free will and individualism
• it can be traced back to ideas of John Locke and it was then carried into the 18th century with Wollenstonecraft and it arguably peaked in the 19th century with the ideas of JS Mill

Question 2

what do classical liberals believe?

Answer 2

• early liberals who believed that individual freedom would be best achieved with the state playing a minimal role

Question 3

what does the term social contract theory refer to in classical liberalism?

Answer 3

• the idea that the state is based on a contract between the government and the people
• the government agrees to make itself accountable to people and to operate within the law
• while the people should agree to obey and uphold the security of the state
• (classical liberals such as Locke agreed with this)

Question 4

what does foundational equality refer to?

Answer 4

• a fundamental belief that all individuals are born with the natural rights which entitle them to liberty the pursuit of happiness and avoidance of pain
• this translates in the liberal state as equal treatment of all individuals under the law
• Wollenstonecraft and Mill argued that this should translate to women and individuals of different religions and therefore argued for tolerance in society

Question 5

what is negative freedom?

Answer 5

• argued by classical liberals i.e Locke and Mill who believed the highest form of freedom was freedom without constraint
• they view freedom as oppressive
• freedom without constraint/absence of constraint
• Liberal philosopher Isaiah Berlin described it as ‘freedom from’ rather than ‘freedom to’
• focuses on a limited government

Question 6

what is laissez-faire economics?

Answer 6

• state plays a minimal role in the economy
• they believe that the creation of wealth is enhanced if the state does not interfere with the markets for goods, services and labour

Question 7

What is rugged individualism?

Answer 7

• people succeed or fail owing to their own efforts and that their position in society is in their own hands
• they believe that if the state provides welfare assistance it will arrest the development of individuals - Mill

Question 8

what does tolerance refer to?

Answer 8

• it is a liberal idea that states that society should tolerate a wide range of ideas, beliefs, religions, lifestyles and ethnicity.
• intolerance cannot be justified as no individual should feel superior to others
• it promotes liberty for all
• it does not extend to beliefs that may damage society or lead to illegality

Question 9

what is the harm principle?

Answer 9

• the idea that the state is justified in interfering with individual freedom when it is to prevent some citizens from doing harm to others
• made by J.S stuart Mill based on negative freedom

Question 10

what does the term limited government refer to?

Answer 10

• mostly associated with the role of the state in a capitalist economy
• proposes that capitalism and wealth creation are enhanced if the state does not interfere with the markets for goods, services and labour