Ideologies - Liberalism Definitions Flashcards
Mechanistic theory
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
Egotistical individualism
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
Economic liberalism
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
State of nature
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
Social contract
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
Tolerance/harm principle
A strong liberal ideology, that things that may be frowned upon should be tolerated as long as they do not harm others
Foundational equality/legal equality
Every individual is born equal, and are therefore entitled to legal equality
Equality of opportunity
Individuals should be allowed similar opportunities to reach their potential, but unlike socialism, liberalism does not necessarily ensure greater equality of outcome
Limited government
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
Individualism
A vital principle of liberal ideology, that the individual should be at the heart of political thought, economic life and social organisation
Developmental individualism
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
Citizen
A free person, owned by no-one, with rights and responsibility (liberalism)
Subject
A person who is under the control of the monarch or god (classical conservatism)
Comrade
Shared view of society where people work in each other’s interests (socialism)
Laissez-faire capitalism
Based on the liberal belief in private property and negative liberty which allows for enterprise with little/no interference from the state
Negative liberty
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
Minimal state
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
Developmental individualism
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
Positive freedom
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
Enabling state
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
Social liberalism
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
Representative government
The legislature is made up of representatives who at in the best interests of their constituents
