Ideaology 1 - Liberalism Flashcards
What are the 6 key principles in liberalism
- Individualism
- Rationality
- Tolerance
- Contract theory
- Freedom
- Equality (of opportunity)
What period was liberalism popular in?
During the enlightenment, so early 16nth and 17nth century.
What four doctrines which modern liberals inherited from classical liberalism
Mechanistic theory, individualism, freedom, constitutionalism, limited government
Main difference between classical and modern liberal ?
Positive versus negative freedom
What do modern liberals see as the proper role of the state
In enhancing positive freedom but limited to that, no more.
Give three examples of how liberal state may promote positive freedom
Public health, education and welfare liberties and civil rights
What is the liberal view of class
Mechanistic theory not take into account classes, only autonomous individuals.
What is liberal view of equality
Formal equality - legal and political
But equality of opportunity not equality of outcome - not desirable as we are not all equal
Define pluralism and explain why liberals support it?
Pluralism is diffusion of power between diverse and competing groups in society such as parties and pressure groups. Liberalism advocates a diffusion of economic and political power in order to prevent tyranny and to enhance individual freedom, choice, representation and power.
Define ‘liberal democracy’
Free and fair elections so a representative government based on pluralism, constitutionalism the rule of law, civil liberties, and market economy.
Why might the concept of liberal democracy be a contradiction in terms?
Because democracy is typically collectivist as is based on utilitarianism- the greatest number versus liberal which places primary importance on the individual
Why do liberals support the EU
Liberals support international cooperation and power sharing among states, to promote harmony and constrain national political power bodies
