Core Principles Liberalism Flashcards
Do individuals have the capacity to plan their own future and effect a preconceived outcome?
Yes
What is egotistical individualism?
Human beings are naturally drawn to the advancement of their own self-interests and the pursuit of their own happiness
What type of liberalism is the term ‘egotistical individualism’ linked to?
Classical Liberalism
Due to natural laws, what was life before the state like in accordance to liberals?
Pleasant/ nice/ civilised
What is the main purpose of a civil society?
To facilitate individualism
Why is the right to property particularly important within Liberalism?
It is seen as the tangible expression of an individual within society.
It is also the ‘prism’ in which individuals develop their potential providing an opportunity within civilised communities.
Why is it inevitable that Liberals should support capitalism?
As it puts private property at the heart of all economic transactions.
Why is individualism focused on within liberalism?
It maximises the number of individuals achieving self-attainment
It maximises the number of individuals discovering their own potential
It maximises the number of individuals achieving control of their own lives
Within a state of nature, what does Liberalism still acknowledge?
The fact that there are conflict of interests between individuals pursuing their own agendas
What type of state does liberalism reject?
The ‘traditional’ state - one where power is concentrated into the hands of one individual and where power is exercised randomly
Under Liberalism, when is the state legitimate?
Under the consent of the people. The state is only legitimate if those under its jurisdiction have effectively volunteered to be under its jurisdiction.
What rights are promoted for the individual?
Natural rights to help all individuals advance
What is John Stuart Mill’s tolerance/harm principle?
The state should tolerate all actions and principles unless they harm another individual’s natural rights
Who should political power be exercised by?
Those who prove themselves worthy of exercising it.
By individuals who, through their talent, have gained the trust of the governed
What does the term ‘foundational equality’ mean?
Every individual is born equal, with equal natural rights, therefore they are entitled to legal equality under the state
What is legal equality?
Equality before the law and an equal recognition of individual rights
What is equality of opportunity?
All liberals should be allowed similar opportunities to develop their own potential
What are the aims of a liberal state?
Justice Tolerance Equality of opportunity Meritocracy Promotion of natural rights Government by consent Rejection of the 'traditional' state
What must the structure of the state embody?
- Constitutional/limited government
- Fragmented government
- Formal equality
What should the contract between the governed and governing be in the form of?
A formal constitution
What is a ‘limited government’?
The government is limited in terms of how it can act and by a constitution’s formal rules and procedures
Why do Liberals want to disperse state power?
‘Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’
If all individuals are reasonable and inclined to self-determination, it seems logical to empower as many individuals as possible in the exercise of state’s functions.
What is formal equality?
All individuals have the same legal and political rights in society - no one should be outside or above the law
