Individualism Flashcards
How was individualism seen in the feudal period?
In the feudal period, there was little idea of individuals having their own interests or possessing personal and unique identities. People were rather seen as members of social groups to which they belonged such as family, village, local community or social class.
What displaced feudalism?
Feudalism was displaced by increasingly market-orientated societies, individuals were confronted by a broader range of choices and social possibilities.
What were people encouraged to do after the feudal period, perhaps for the first time?
Think for themselves and to think of themselves in personal terms.
What displaced traditional religious theory?
Rational and scientific explanations.
What did Immanuel Kant believe in?
Dignity and equal worth of human beings in his conception of individuals as ‘ends in themselves’ and not merely as means of achievement of the ends of others.
Emphasising the importance of the individual has which two contrasting implications?
- Individuals are primarily defined by inner qualities and attributes specific to themselves.
- They all share the same status in that they are all, first and foremost, individuals.
What is an atomistic society?
Human beings are fundamentally self-interested, equal and rational social atoms that together form an aggregate society of self-interested individuals. Essentially extreme individualism.
What view do modern liberals have in terms of human nature?
Modern liberals believe that egoism is tempered by a sense of social responsibility, especially a responsibility for those who are unable to look after themselves.
What are classical and modern liberals united in?
Classical and modern liberals are united in their desire to create a society in which each person is capable of developing and flourishing to the fullness of his or her potential.
What is possessive individualism?
Individual owes nothing to society as he is completely self-reliant.
