freedom/liberty

Question 1

freedom or liberty is a central concept in liberalism it holds that individuals should be left alone to

Answer 1

think , speak and make designs based on their own interests and judgment : including their own view of human nature

Question 2

every individual should have the autonomy to live their life as they choose without undue

Answer 2

interference from the state or other societal groups

Question 3

liberals view of freedom links in to indvdiualsim as they argue for freedom not just to protect people from coercion or constraint but to

Answer 3

create an environment where popes can actively pursue their life goals , the freedom of the individual is paramount above the intrests of any group

Question 4

impotently however freedom must be ‘ under the law ‘ this ensures that while individuals should be free to pursue their own interest their freedom is balanced by

Answer 4

legal frameworks and societal norms that ensure their actions do not harm others and that rights of all indviduals are protected

Question 5

the rule of law is crucial in this context as it provides the necessary boundaries within which

Answer 5

indvidual freedom can flourish

Question 6

this aspect of liberalism underlines the importance of a fair and impartial legal system that protects

Answer 6

individual rights while maintainign social order

Question 7

liberals employ various mechanisms to ensure that individual freedom is not only

Answer 7

declared in principle but actively upheld in practice

Question 8

liberals advocate for the establishment of constitutional rights that protect freedoms such as

Answer 8

expression , assembly and religion

Question 9

these rights are enshrined in laws and constitutions creating a

Answer 9

legal shield against arbitrary gov acton and encroachments by others

Question 10

by codifying these rights liberalism establishes clear guidance for both government and citizens ensuring that

Answer 10

indvidual freedoms are recognised and respected by all

Question 11

the US bill of rights in the constitution is a useful example of this , it was shaped by

Answer 11

liberal beliefs

Question 12

liberals argue that a diverse society enriches the collective experience and allows

Answer 12

for a fuller exercise of indvidual liberties

Question 13

the liberal commitment to freedom extends to advocating for a pluralistic society , in such a society , diverse viewpoints and lifestyles are not only tolerated but

Answer 13

celebrated as expression of individual freedom

Question 14

the promotion of pluralism also includes defending minority rights ensuring that

Answer 14

all indviduals , regardless of their groups identity enjoy equal freedom and protection under the law

Question 15

another way in which liberalism guarantees freedom is through the support for democracy , by championing democratic process liberals ensure

Answer 15

that individuals have a say in the decisions that affect their lives

Question 16

participation for free and fair elections the right to run for office and the ability to engage in open and critical dialogue with the gov are fundamental aspects of this approach , democracy in the liberal view is not

Answer 16

just a form of government but a means of realising and protecting indvidual freedom and agency

Question 17

liberals also promote economic freedom they advocate for

Answer 17

capitalist market economies that allow indviduals to pursue their economic intrests , innovate , and benefit from their labour

Question 18

the idea of the ‘ American Dream ‘ and the very capitalist American economy is an

Answer 18

important example of this in practice

Question 19

classical liberals argue for negative freedom which sees freedom as the absence of restraint , individuals are free if they aren’t prevented from

Answer 19

exercising their own interests and make their own decisions

Question 20

thinkers like John Locke and Adam Smith argued that the best way to ensure individual liberty is through a

Answer 20

limited government and a laissez faire economic system

Question 21

by minimising the role of the state in a personal and economic affairs , classical liberalism seems to protect individuals from

Answer 21

undue coercion and control , ensuring that they are free to choose their own paths in life

Question 22

John Stuart Mill supported a minimal state by arguing for the harm principle , which sates that

Answer 22

indviduals should be free to act as they wish unless their actions cause harm to others

Question 23

modern liberals argue for positive freedom , which argues that the mere absence of restraint isn’t enough to promote freedom instead

Answer 23

indviduals must be supported to have the conditions and capabilities necessary to be autonomous and realise their potential

Question 24

this is especially important for those who start from disadvantaged positions in society such as

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those who are poor or discriminated against

Question 25

Modern liberals argue that without support from an enabling state , these individuals don't have the same

Answer 25

level of freedom as those who are not in disadvantaged positions

Question 26

modern liberals therefore believe the state should play a crucial role in creating an environment where individuals can develop their talents and ahcive their goals , this involved advocating for an

Answer 26

enabling state and policies like universal education , healthcare and welfare programs

Question 27

by providing this support , the state enhances indvdiudal freedom enabling people to be

Answer 27

self determining , and actively participate in shaping their own lives : simply leaving people alone isn't enough