Classical Liberalism Flashcards
What were the distinctive features of early classical liberalism?
- revolutionary potential
- negative liberty
- minimal state
- laissez-faire capitalism
What is laissez faire capitalism?
The belief that in private property , and the classical liberal belief in “negative liberty”, allowing private ownership and enterprise with little or no state interference.
What did Lockes blueprint for representative government inspire?
The American revolution and their constitution
What did Mary Wollstonecraft argue?
That the treatment of women during the 17th century was an impeachment of individual liberty of half of the population
What did Wollstonecraft advocate?
That women needed a formal education to have greater knowledge to be rational and responsible etc.
What is negative liberty?
Notion that involves individuals being left alone to pursue their destiny.
What is a minimal state?
Concept of minimising state activity
What should the minimal state do?
Strengthen classical liberalism’s faith in the dispersal of political power
What did classical liberals advocate regarding the economy?
Laissez-faire capitalism
What did Jeremy Bentham develop?
That individuals try and maximise their utility by maximising personal pleasure and minimising personal pain
What was Samuel Smiles’s book called?
Self help
What did Samuel smiles believe?
That industrialised societies made it harder for individuals to be self-reliant. Yet smiles argued that is individuals over come these new obstacles individuals would merely be more developed.
What is social Darwinism?
That there would be a gradual elimination of of those unable to enjoy the benefits of individualism.
What is developmental individualism?
Theory by John Stuart mill - focused on what individuals could become rather than what they had become.
What is a minimal state?
Concept of minimising state activity
