Core Ideas of Liberalism

Question 1

what was the medieval thought about human natures

Answer 1

tied to ‘original sin’
mankind=deeply flawed+imperfect
mans only hope=pray for forgiveness

Question 2

human nature and progress

Answer 2

has ability to bring about progress

unending ability to increase human happiness

Question 3

what is the overall view of human nature by liberals

Answer 3

optimistic

guided by rational and reason

Question 4

human nature and reasoning

Answer 4

reason manifested in debate

can be peaceful arguments+examine opinions

Question 5

human nature and rational

Answer 5

individuals can plan own future
the ‘plan’ is central to idea of rationalism
human nature=can plan own destiny

Question 6

human nature and problem solving

Answer 6

problems=challenges awaiting reasoned solutions

if really want something- will get it through reason and determination

Question 7

what liberals believe about reasoned discussion

Answer 7

will always reach a consensus

Question 8

human nature and individuals

Answer 8

individuals are self-seeking+ self serving

leads to egotistical individualism

Question 9

what is egotistical individualism

Answer 9

linked to early classical liberalism
humans are selfish+in persuit of own happiness
but this doesn’t lead to conflict but mutual understanding

Question 10

‘natural society’

Answer 10

‘natural rights’ are enjoyed

life before the state was pleasant+civilised

Question 11

what is the main purpose of society

Answer 11

facilitate individualism

Question 12

society and independence

Answer 12

individuals seek freedom

should live in a way that maximises self reliance+self fulfillment

Question 13

what is a society which seeks to deny individualism

Answer 13

dysfunctional

Question 14

why is right to property important (society)

Answer 14

is a tangible expression of an individual
for Mill it is a ‘prism’ through which individuals develop potential
allows people to nurture their taste and judgement

Question 15

economic liberalism

Answer 15

involve private property+private traders

it should be of ultimate benefit to all

Question 16

what influences liberals approach to the economy

Answer 16

right to property- should be put at the heart of all economic arrangements

Question 17

what made liberalism associated with private enterprise+private ownership (the economy)

Answer 17

adam smith’s theory of markets in wealth of nations 1776

Question 18

liberalism and socialism are similar but what sets them apart

Answer 18

liberals defend market based economy

capitalism

Question 19

how does capitalism link to liberals positive view of human nature (the economy)

Answer 19

adam smith- no trade barriers means ‘invisible hand’ of market forces would guide traders to success
the wealth would trickle down
wealth of nations would be promoted globally
reflects optimistic tone of liberalism

Question 20

what did liberals such as Locke ultimately believe the state did

Answer 20

helped facilitate individualism and capitalism

Question 21

why did liberals such as locked believe a state was needed in the first place

Answer 21

prevent clashes between people persuing their own agendas

would stop stale mates+resolve disputes more efficiently

Question 22

state of nature and the state- relationship

Answer 22

state of nature inferior to ‘formalised’ liberal state

Question 23

what are the 6 objectives of the liberal state

Answer 23

government by consent
promotion of natural rights 
promotion of tolerance 
meritocracy
equality of opportunity
justice

Question 24

what is the liberal state founded upon

Answer 24

a rejection of a monarchial absolutists state where power is exercised randomly

Question 25

government by consent (objective of liberal state)

Answer 25

people control state

lock- ‘gov should always be the servant, not the master, of the people’

Question 26

promotion of natural rights/individualism (objective of the liberal state)

Answer 26

before formal state=natural rights
rational reason to submit to state is if it promoted natural rights
so state must ensure it does this

Question 27

why is tolerance association with individualism (promotion of tolerance in the state)

Answer 27

can’t seek self determination if actions are forbidden by others

Question 28

what did Voltaire (French philosopher) say which links to tolerance

Answer 28

‘i detest what you say, but will defend unto the death your right to say it’

Question 29

how does Mill’s work related to the states objective of promoting tolerance

Answer 29

his harm principle

Question 30

tolerance and religious groups (promotion of tolerance as an objective of the state)

Answer 30

should tolerate religious groups especially minorities

locked was keen to extend tolerance to Roman Catholics after glorious revolution (cemented protestant supremacy)

Question 31

Friedman and tolerance (objective of the state)

Answer 31

campaigned for state to improve tolerance of minorities i.e ethnicity, sexuality, gender

Question 32

meritocracy (objective of the state)

Answer 32

political power only exercised by those worthy

won trust of governed- directly opposes divine right

Question 33

equality of opportunity (objective of the state)

Answer 33

state should give everyone equal opportunity to fulfil potential
if they can’t its their fault not the state

Question 34

foundational equality

Answer 34

everyone born with equal natural rights `

Question 35

justice (objective of the state)

Answer 35

state should embody justice
will treat individuals fairly
just outcome with disputes

Question 36

what are the 3 features a liberal state must embody

Answer 36

constitutional/limited gov
fragmented gov
formal eqaulity

Question 37

constitutional/limited gov (feature of liberal state)

Answer 37

contract needs to be cemented by a constitution
constitution should be preceded by discussion+a consensus
ensure can’t exercise power randomly
stops natural rights being eroded

Question 38

fragmented gov (feature of liberal state)

Answer 38

reaction against power concetrated wi monarch

reflects rationality belief-logical to empower as many individuals as possible=self determination

Question 39

formal equality (feature of a liberal state)

Answer 39

same legal+political rights

emphasis on rule of law