Classical Liberalism: Key ideas Flashcards
What is Utilitarianism?
– Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), society should be organized to create ‘the greatest happiness of the greatest number’. Would guide society towards the best policies. Problem of the ‘tyranny of the majority’.
What is Natural Rights Theory?
– John Locke (1632-1704) Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) People had certain inalienable rights: life, liberty, happiness and property. Role of government and law to protect these rights and little else.
What is Economic Liberalism?
– Adam Smith (1723-90) (Wealth of Nations 1776) David Ricardo (1770-1823). Only through development of a capitalism could individuals engage in an unrestrained pursuit of profit, allowed individuals to be free.
This theory was revived and extended in the 1970s under the name of Neo-liberalism - the state should not intervene in economy, only market forces deliver a well functioning economy.
What is Social Darwinism?
– Based on Darwin’s theory of evolution. Herbert Spencer (1820-1904), Social Darwinists claim humans are engaged in a process of natural selection. Society is a struggle for survival amongst individuals, ‘survival of the fittest’. Talented rise to the top, others fall to the bottom. Inequalities in society are natural - meritocratic order.
