Classical Liberalism Flashcards
When did classical liberalism emerge?
18th/19th Century, during the rise of industrial capitalism.
What is the most important value in classical liberalism?
Freedom of the individual.
How do classic liberals think freedom is best achieved?
Limited government.
What happened to Classical Liberalism in the 20th century?
Reinvented into Neo-Liberalism in the UK and US.
Where was Neo-Liberalism influential?
On New Right Conservatism, particularly on Margaret Thatcher.
What do CL believe about freedom?
Belief in negative freedom - rolling back the state and allowing individuals to be responsible for themselves.
Why does CL support negative freedom?
Dependence on the state undermines self-respect and damages economic growth.
What type of individualism does CL follow?
Egoistical Individualism.
What does CL say positive freedom encourages?`
Dependency culture. Idea rose from expansion of UK welfare state post WWII.
What do CL say the role of the state is?
To lay down conditions for orderly existence and leave the rest to the individuals.
What type of state does CL encourage?
Minimal state.
What are the features of a minimal state?
Maintain social order.
Defend against external threat.
Create environment for laissez-faire capitalism - shouldn’t interfere in economy.
What was 19th century CL known as?
Social Darwinism.
What is Social Darwinism?
People differ in ability, so it is natural for some to succeed and some to fail. The government shouldn’t intervene to help people succeed.
What is meritocracy?
CL believes that individuals with different talents should be rewarded differently. The resulting inequality gives incentive for others to work harder.
