classical liberalism - key ideas Flashcards
what is egotistical individualism?
humans are naturally self serving but this doesn’t prevent them from being cooperative
what are negative freedoms?
-freedom from restraint, because people should be self-determined and self-reliant
view on the state:
-the state should be an improvement on the state of nature
-individual rights and freedoms should be protected and enhanced
-the state should play a minimal role in people’s lives (minarchy)
view on civil society:
-society only exists for the mutual benefit of the people
-society extends from the people who enter into a social contract
what is social darwinism?
-classical liberals don’t have much sympathy/understanding towards those who live in poverty or who don’t work
-they believe that those with talent/hard work will prosper, and those who are incompetent or lazy won’t
-links to idea of survival of the fittest and natural selection
-they believe that social and economic inequalities are inevitable and the government shouldn’t do anything to try and stop them
how did Wollstonecraft’s early feminism relate to liberalism’s core values?
-equality and individual rights
-education as a path to autonomy
-critique of social hierarchies
-meritocracy and opportunity
why do liberals believe that being rational guards against callous selfishness?
because they believe that individuals recognise that it is productive to be cooperative rather than live in a constant state of conflict
why is tolerance sometimes a problematic issue for liberals?
because it is difficult to see where the line is between freedom of speech/an opinion and hate speech that may cause harm to others
why do liberals consider property a vital way of promoting individualism?
-it gives individuals economic independence and means they don’t need to rely on others
-property is an expression of individual effort and merit
-allows for development of the individual
what are the benefits of capitalism from a liberal point of view?
-promotion of individual freedom through economic autonomy and minimal state control
-encourages innovation and progress
-reward for merit and effort
-supports equality of opportunity through the free market system
what is meant by arbitrary power?
authority or control that is exercised without limits, clear rules or justifications
why are individuals in a liberal state ‘citizens’ and not ‘subjects’?
-because they are not ruled by one singular power
-citizenship reflects a reciprocal relationship where the state serves the people - idea of social contract where individuals consent to be governed in exchange for the protection of their rights
-equality before the law
-participation in governance
-individualism
why might liberal defend unequal society?
because they believe that inequality is natural and a system of meritocracy should determine your position
