Core Ideas of Liberalism Flashcards
what was the medieval thought about human natures
tied to ‘original sin’
mankind=deeply flawed+imperfect
mans only hope=pray for forgiveness
human nature and progress
has ability to bring about progress
unending ability to increase human happiness
what is the overall view of human nature by liberals
optimistic
guided by rational and reason
human nature and reasoning
reason manifested in debate
can be peaceful arguments+examine opinions
human nature and rational
individuals can plan own future
the ‘plan’ is central to idea of rationalism
human nature=can plan own destiny
human nature and problem solving
problems=challenges awaiting reasoned solutions
if really want something- will get it through reason and determination
what liberals believe about reasoned discussion
will always reach a consensus
human nature and individuals
individuals are self-seeking+ self serving
leads to egotistical individualism
what is egotistical individualism
linked to early classical liberalism
humans are selfish+in persuit of own happiness
but this doesn’t lead to conflict but mutual understanding
‘natural society’
‘natural rights’ are enjoyed
life before the state was pleasant+civilised
what is the main purpose of society
facilitate individualism
society and independence
individuals seek freedom
should live in a way that maximises self reliance+self fulfillment
what is a society which seeks to deny individualism
dysfunctional
why is right to property important (society)
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
economic liberalism
involve private property+private traders
it should be of ultimate benefit to all
what influences liberals approach to the economy
right to property- should be put at the heart of all economic arrangements
what made liberalism associated with private enterprise+private ownership (the economy)
adam smith’s theory of markets in wealth of nations 1776
liberalism and socialism are similar but what sets them apart
liberals defend market based economy
capitalism
how does capitalism link to liberals positive view of human nature (the economy)
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
what did liberals such as Locke ultimately believe the state did
helped facilitate individualism and capitalism
why did liberals such as locked believe a state was needed in the first place
prevent clashes between people persuing their own agendas
would stop stale mates+resolve disputes more efficiently
state of nature and the state- relationship
state of nature inferior to ‘formalised’ liberal state
what are the 6 objectives of the liberal state
government by consent promotion of natural rights promotion of tolerance meritocracy equality of opportunity justice
what is the liberal state founded upon
a rejection of a monarchial absolutists state where power is exercised randomly
government by consent (objective of liberal state)
people control state
lock- ‘gov should always be the servant, not the master, of the people’
promotion of natural rights/individualism (objective of the liberal state)
before formal state=natural rights
rational reason to submit to state is if it promoted natural rights
so state must ensure it does this
why is tolerance association with individualism (promotion of tolerance in the state)
can’t seek self determination if actions are forbidden by others
what did Voltaire (French philosopher) say which links to tolerance
‘i detest what you say, but will defend unto the death your right to say it’
how does Mill’s work related to the states objective of promoting tolerance
his harm principle
tolerance and religious groups (promotion of tolerance as an objective of the state)
should tolerate religious groups especially minorities
locked was keen to extend tolerance to Roman Catholics after glorious revolution (cemented protestant supremacy)
Friedman and tolerance (objective of the state)
campaigned for state to improve tolerance of minorities i.e ethnicity, sexuality, gender
meritocracy (objective of the state)
political power only exercised by those worthy
won trust of governed- directly opposes divine right
equality of opportunity (objective of the state)
state should give everyone equal opportunity to fulfil potential
if they can’t its their fault not the state
foundational equality
everyone born with equal natural rights `
justice (objective of the state)
state should embody justice
will treat individuals fairly
just outcome with disputes
what are the 3 features a liberal state must embody
constitutional/limited gov
fragmented gov
formal eqaulity
constitutional/limited gov (feature of liberal state)
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
fragmented gov (feature of liberal state)
reaction against power concetrated wi monarch
reflects rationality belief-logical to empower as many individuals as possible=self determination
formal equality (feature of a liberal state)
same legal+political rights
emphasis on rule of law
