classical liberalism

Question 1

what are ‘natural rights’?

Answer 1

certain rights individuals have –such as the rights to life, liberty, and property – in virtue of their human nature rather than on account of prevailing laws or conventions.

Question 2

what view of human nature do classical liberals have?

Answer 2

-Progressive / ‘malleable’
- Free thinking
-Egotistical individualism
-Rational
- Optimistic

Question 3

Progressive view of humans / malleable - CLASSICAL

Answer 3

as society changes, people get more educated, become better at things
human beings today likely to be more rational, intelligent and respectful than in past – developmental individualism (focusing on what individuals could become)

Question 4

Egotistical individualism of humans - CLASSICAL

Answer 4

liberal belief that human beings are naturally drawn to advancement of own selfish interests

Question 5

Rational individualism of humans - CLASSICAL

Answer 5

along with egotistical liberalism – reason and logic will prevent us from being selfish and disrespectful to others

Question 6

Optimistic liberalism of humans - CLASSICAL

Answer 6

‘human nature has the capacity to effect steady progress and increase human happiness’ - opposing Old Testament doctrine saying society is doomed to fail

Question 7

why do classical liberals have optimistic view of humans?

Answer 7

From the Enlightenment -fundamentally believes in the rationality and improvability of humans.
also inherent goodness of humans,
social contract and cooperation under laws etc.

Question 8

classical liberalism view of human nature in other ideologies