Human Nature

Question 1

What is meant by human nature?

Answer 1

-general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioural traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans.

Question 2

Whilst there is some areas of agreement over…

Answer 2

-the principle of natural rights, tolerance and rationality.

Question 3

Main argument of the human nature essay?

It is a stronger argument to suggest…

Answer 3

Liberals disagree to a large extent with eachother over the concept of human nature.

Question 4

Two main points of the human nature essay?

Answer 4

1. Difference in belief in individualism/ the common good/ human nature as a whole.
   2.Conflict over the role of the state + equality

Question 5

Two main counterpoints of the human nature essay?

Answer 5

1. All liberals have a positive view of human nature- rational + desire to maximise own utility (individualism).
2. natural rights that need protecting + formal equality under the law.

Question 6

Which liberals disagree over the nature of individualism/ the common good/ human nature as a whole?

Answer 6

Modern Liberals- Rawls- sucess is not soley in hands of individual + state needs to be enabling to reach full potential.** Common good- developmental individualism**
Classical Liberals- People fail on their own efforts bc people are capable of rationality-
EGOTISTICAL INDIVIDUALISM + ATOMIC SOC

Question 7

Which liberals disagree over the role of the state + equality in terms of human nature?

Answer 7

Classical liberals- J.S Mill- harm principle- small state+ limited amount of laws.
Modern liberals- much larger state acting to ensure right and freedoms are protected (Betty Friedan (women) + Rawls (veil of ignorance= more laws+ state int)

Question 8

Which liberals agree over positive view of human nature- rational + desire to maximise own utility (individualism)?

Answer 8

-John Locke+ J.S Mills- ‘reason must be our guide’
-J.S Mills- ‘over his own body and mind the individual is soverign.
-John Rawls- freedom and indiviudalism should be open to all.

Question 9

Which liberals agree over natural rights need protecting + formal equality under the law (including the idea of tolerance)?

Answer 9

-Locke- Life, liberty and property but tolerance not extended to areas that will harm society. ‘where there is no law there is no freedom’
reject class-based hierarchical systems or titles, or racism, sexism or cultural discrimination (Betty Friedan and Mary Wollstencraft). (equal opportunity).

To make the most of your human nature.

We must tolerate.