Freedom Flashcards
Liberals believe that freedom is central to their ideology, but what is the difference between CL and ML?
CL - negative freedom - the idea that we are free as long as we are not constrained by the imposition of laws and rules.
ML - positive freedom - we are free as long as we have the capacity to develop as an individual, and sometimes this requires more rules and laws to maximise the number of those living freely.
What does William Beveridge argue the role of the state is?
To slay the 5 Giants - Want, Disease, Squalor, Ignorance and Idleness.
What other belief do both strands share regarding freedom?
Tolerance. Both strands believe that we should tolerate the actions, decisions and beliefs of others as long as they are not undermining others’ rights and liberties.
This promotes a high level of freedom in everyone’s lives.
What principle did John Stuart Mill establish?
The Harm Principle - the idea that we should have the freedom to do anything as long as it does not harm anyone else or their rights
How do classical liberals believe tolerance is achieved?
Through the rationalism and altruistic nature of individuals.
How do modern liberals believe tolerance is achieved?
They think that the state must play more of a role to ensure tolerance is being upheld. They understand that the “Harm Principle” is not always adhered to, and so they accept some police intervention.
Relate freedom to centralised government.
Both strands are skeptical about a centralised government. They prefer fragmented government, so there is less chance of an elective dictatorship and so less chance of individuals’ freedom being infringed on.
What did John Locke say, and how does it relate to the ML belief of tolerance?
John Locke says that “where there is no law, there is no freedom.”
Despite being a CL, he did hint that some laws may have to be imposed to guarantee freedom!
Tolerance extension?
Modern liberals believe in a stronger form of tolerance, and extended it to include atheists. John Locke did not do this. Modern liberals have established tolerance as a principle which is now much more inclusive, taking into account sexuality, gender etc.
Why do CL believe that the state musn’t intervene to guarantee freedom?
ML think that welfare provision should be available and that the state should play an ‘enabling role’. CL think that this will make the individual too dependent on the state, and so think that they will not actually be able to possess a degree of freedom for themselves.
