Key terminology, key thinkers and quotations Flashcards
Define Equality of Opportunity
The idea that all individuals should have equal chances in life to rise and fall
Define Formal Equality
The idea that all individuals have the same legal and political rights in society
Define Foundational Equality
Rights that all humans have by virtue of being born which cannot be take away (also known as natural rights and inalienable rights)
Define Limited Government
The role of government is limited by checks and balances, and a separation of powers because of the corrupting nature of power
Define Mechanistic Theory
The idea that the state was created by ‘man’ to serve the people and act in their interests
Define Meritocracy
A society organised on the basis that success is based on ability and hard work
Define Social Contract
The idea that the state/society is set up with agreement from the people to respect its laws which serve to protect them
Define Tolerance
A willingness to respect values, customs and beliefs with which one disagrees
Define Developmental individualism
The idea that individual freedom in linked to human flourishing
Define Egotistical Individualism
The idea that individual freedom is associated with self-interest and self-reliance
Define Keynesianism
An economic system that requires government involvement to stimulate the economy to achieve full employment and price stability
Define Laissez-Faire Capitalism
An economic system, organised by the market, where goods are produced for exchange and profit, and wealth is privately owned
Define Negative Freedom
The absence of external constraints in society as well as no interference in the private sphere
Define Positive Freedom
The idea that freedom is about personal fulfilment and realisation of potential
What did the liberal thinker JOHN RAWLS believe?
Enabling state and justice as fairness
What did the liberal thinker JOHN STUART MILL believe?
Individual sovereignty and the harm principle
What did the liberal thinker JOHN LOCKE believe?
Social contract theory and natural rights
What did the liberal thinker MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT believe?
Foundational and formal gender equality
What did the liberal thinker BETTY FREIDAN believe?
Equality of opportunity and self realisation
Name three Classical Liberal philosophers
- John Locke
- John Stuart Mill
- Mary Wollstonecraft
Name three Modern Liberal philosophers
- T.H Green
- Betty Friedan
- John Rawls
Who said the phrase: “Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions”
John Locke
Who said the phrase: “Government has no other end, but the preservation of property”
John Locke
State a famous quotation from Voltaire
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”
Who came up with the theory of justice?
John Rawls
What is the theory of justice?
The view that society must be just and guarantee each citizen a life worth living
Who came up with the social contract theory?
John Locke
What is the social contract theory?
Society, state and government are based on a theoretical voluntary agreement. The individual has the right to withdraw that consent
