Freedom Flashcards
Supreme importance of the individual leads to what?
A commitment to individual freedom.
What does individual liberty mean to liberals?
Individual liberty is for liberals the supreme political value and, in many ways, the unifying principle within the liberal ideology.
What is liberty for classical liberals?
For classical liberals, liberty was a natural right, an essential requirement for leading a truly human existence. Gave individuals the opportunity to pursue their own interests by exercising choice: where to live, who to work for, what to buy etc.
What have modern liberals seen liberty as?
Modern liberals have seen liberty as the only condition in which people are able to develop their skills and talents and fulfil their potential.
What do liberals not accept in terms of liberties?
Liberals do not accept that individuals have an absolute entitlement of freedom. If liberty is unlimited, it could become a ‘license’, the right to abuse others.
What is the only time when power can be exercised against the will of an individual, according to John Stuart Mill?
John Stuart Mill argues that the only time in which power can be exercised over any member of civilised community, against his will, is to prevent hard from others.
In what two ways does Mill distinguish actions?
Mill distinguishes between actions that are “self-regarding”, over which individuals should exercise absolute freedom, and those that are “other regarding” which can restrict the freedom of others or do them damage.
What may radical libertarians defend?
Radical libertarians may defend the right of people to use addictive drugs on the grounds of the action being “self-regarding”.
What does John Rawls express in terms of individuals?
Although the individual may be sovereign over his or her body and mind, each must respect the fact that every other individual enjoys an equal right to liberty.
