Individualism

Question 1

What is meant by individualism?

Answer 1

-being independently self- reliant.

Question 2

Whilst it is there is some agreement over the concept of individualsm… (state the areas of agreement)

Answer 2

-heavy emphasis on tolerance (a willingness to accept values and beliefs in which one disagrees
-John Stuart Mills “over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign
-distaste for excessive power held by the state.

Question 3

Over his own body and mind…

Answer 3

…the individual is sovereign- John Stuart Mills

Question 4

Main argument of the individualism essay:

It is a stronger argument to suggest…

Answer 4

Liberalists disagree to a large extent over the concept of individualism.

Question 5

Two main points of the individualism essay?

Answer 5

1. Egotisitical individualism VS developmental individualism
2. Level of Freedom for the individual- atomistic VS organic society- need a hand up.

Question 6

Two main counterpoints of individualism essay?

Answer 6

1. Both argree with life liberty and persuit of happiness (CCP: but ML believe only through interventionist methods!)
2. Both agree w/ fundamentally fairness for individuals - (women, social class ect.). (CCP disagreement over execution). TOLERANCE

Question 7

What is meant by egotistical individualism? p1

Answer 7

-People are self- reliant, self-seeking and self interested- society is a collection of independent individuals.

Question 8

What is meant by developmental individualism? p1

Answer 8

-Intervening to assist in an individuals development. (e.g. a state run education system).

Question 9

Who believes in egotistical individualism? p1

Answer 9

Classical Liberals
John Locke- freedom from interference from the state in terms of laws and obligations
John Stuart Mills- capable of informed ideas but are self-interested and mutually indifferent

Question 10

Who believes in developmental individualism? p1

Answer 10

Modern Liberals
John Rawls- societal position important in determining underachievement in society.
John Rawls+ Betty Friedan- argued for positive freedom not negative freedom- state should practice developmental individualism.

Question 11

What do all liberals argee with in terms of developmental/ egotistical individualism? p1cp

Answer 11

-John Stuart Mills- ‘over his own body and mind the individual is soverign.
-John Rawls- freedom and indiviudalism should be open to all.
-John Locke + natural rights

Question 12

How do the key thinkers disagree on interventionist methods? (p1CCP)

Answer 12

-Betty Friedan- ‘legislative equality’
-John Stuart Mills- as little interference as possible.

Question 13

What is meant by sacrosanct? p2

Answer 13

‘considered too important to change or question’

Question 14

How do classical and modern liberals disagree on the idea that individualism is sacrosanct? p2

Answer 14

1. Classical- society atomisitc- a limited government means limited infringement.
2. Modern- society is organic- every individual needs a help up.

Question 15

What does Betty Friedan believe concerning individualism being sacrosanct? p2

Answer 15

-supported race relations act/ sex discrimination act- classical liberals would label this as an infringement.

Question 16

What do all liberals agree with in terms of individualism? p2

Answer 16

-fundamental fairness for the individual and tolerance
John Locke- tolerance of alternative political/ religious views
Mary Wollstencraft + Friedan - women discrimination end.

Question 17

CCP to paragraph 2?

Answer 17

-how to achieve this a major concern and divides the belief system of liberalism.