Individualism Flashcards
What do liberals believe is of primary moral importance?
The individual
What takes priority and why? (Individual or society)
The individual takes priority over a group or society because individuals have rights. The possession of these rights means that other individuals, the state or another group cannot have a say over what we do.
What is the classical liberal belief regarding individualism?
They believe in egotistical individualism - the idea that we are rational, self-interested creatures who make good choices in our own lives.
What is the modern liberal belief regarding individualism?
They believe in developmental individualism - they stress our capacity to develop as an individual. Rather than being self-interested, we have a capacity to care for others. Thus we can make more prominent connections with others.
With regard to modern liberals, why do they belief in DI?
They understand that individuals are rational, and although there are certain actions, named ‘self-regarding actions’ by JSM, which are actions that nobody else should be concerned about, there are certain actions that require collective action, and so they believe in developmental individualism.
What phrase would both strands of liberalism agree with? (JSM)
John Stuart Mill claimed that “over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.”
Who argued that we have a set of rights called foundational rights?
John Locke
Both strands ultimately believe that society is a collection of…
diverse and potentially autonomous individuals seeking self-determination, self-realisation and self-fulfilment.
What other CL belief does the classical liberal opinion on individualism re-emphasise?
Their belief of a minimal state, a ‘nightwatchman state’. They believe that individuals are only able to exercise ‘individualism’ if we are free from too many rules etc.
What other ML belief does the modern liberal opinion on individualism re-emphasise?
Their belief of an ‘enabling state’ whereby the state can help individuals to develop and connect with one another.
