Ideologies - Liberalism Definitions

Question 1

Mechanistic theory

Answer 1

Linked to the writings of John Locke, arguing that mankind is rational and therefore able to create a state with caters for mankind’s needs, contrary to the idea of the ‘divine right of kings’ which argued that the state reflected god’s will and that obedience to the state was a religious duty

Question 2

Egotistical individualism

Answer 2

Linked to classical liberalism, that humans are naturally drawn to their advancement of their own interests, and the pursuit of their own happiness, citing mankind is rational, while denying this leads to conflict

Question 3

Economic liberalism

Answer 3

Capitalism that emerged in Europe in the 17th century, the liberal aspect of capitalism comes from 3 factors: Private property, individualistic trading involving cooperation and competition, it is meant to benefit everyone

Question 4

State of nature

Answer 4

A philosophical device used by Hobbes and Locke in the 17th century, it referred to how society might have interacted before laws, formal rules and governments came into being

Question 5

Social contract

Answer 5

Linked to the Enlightenment, Locke and Rousseau argued this was an agreement between the governments and governed, in return for submitting to the state’s laws, and therefore the government should be guaranteed certain rights

Question 6

Tolerance/harm principle

Answer 6

A strong liberal ideology, that things that may be frowned upon should be tolerated as long as they do not harm others

Question 7

Foundational equality/legal equality

Answer 7

Every individual is born equal, and are therefore entitled to legal equality

Question 8

Equality of opportunity

Answer 8

Individuals should be allowed similar opportunities to reach their potential, but unlike socialism, liberalism does not necessarily ensure greater equality of outcome

Question 9

Limited government

Answer 9

Government should be limited in terms of how it can act, by constitution’s formal rules and procedures, the opposite of arbitrary rule, as practised in medieval, monarchical states

Question 10

Individualism

Answer 10

A vital principle of liberal ideology, that the individual should be at the heart of political thought, economic life and social organisation

Question 11

Developmental individualism

Answer 11

This relates to the liberal philosophy of John Steward Mill, who wishes to focus on what individuals could become rather than what they had become, it is explained in Mill’s strong emphasis upon the value of formal education within a liberal society

Question 12

Citizen

Answer 12

A free person, owned by no-one, with rights and responsibility (liberalism)

Question 13

Subject

Answer 13

A person who is under the control of the monarch or god (classical conservatism)

Question 14

Comrade

Answer 14

Shared view of society where people work in each other’s interests (socialism)

Question 15

Laissez-faire capitalism

Answer 15

Based on the liberal belief in private property and negative liberty which allows for enterprise with little/no interference from the state

Question 16

Negative liberty

Answer 16

A key feature of classical liberalism, a notion of freedom that involves individuals being left alone by the state, any interference by the state with the actions of the individual is viewed as an infringement on liberty

Question 17

Minimal state

Answer 17

A feature of classical liberalism, reflecting the idea of negative liberty, minimising of state activity like legislation and taxation, confined to areas like defence and the protection of private property

Question 18

Developmental individualism

Answer 18

Philosophy of John Stuart Mill, who wished to focus on what individuals could become rather than what they had become, explaining Mill’s emphasis on the value of formal education within a liberal society

Question 19

Positive freedom

Answer 19

A vital aspect of modern liberalism, denoting the idea that individuals left alone are often inhibited rather than free, individuals may need enabling so that they are free to exercise their individual talents

Question 20

Enabling state

Answer 20

Linked to positive liberty, an enabling state was one that extended its activities so as to ‘liberate’ individuals from restrictive social and economic problems, thus enabling them to fulfil their potential

Question 21

Social liberalism

Answer 21

Updated version of the idea of tolerance, the idea of criminalising actions which discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or religious persuasion

Question 22

Representative government

Answer 22

The legislature is made up of representatives who at in the best interests of their constituents