lecture six Flashcards
What does liberalism mean according to Judith N. Shklar?
A political doctrine aiming to secure conditions for personal freedom.
How does Jeremy Waldron define liberalism?
All aspects of society should be acceptable or made acceptable to every individual.
Ronald Dworkin’s view on liberalism?
Rooted in a specific conception of equality.
What are the core values of liberalism?
Liberty, autonomy, legitimate authority, and equality.
What does autonomy mean in liberalism?
Respecting individual choices; limiting state power unless it’s to protect freedom.
What rights does liberalism protect through the state?
Private property, economic activity, protection from others.
How is equality expressed in liberalism?
Non-discrimination, legal equality, and tolerance.
How does liberalism protect individuals from the state?
Via the public/private divide, separation of powers, rule of law.
What characterized pre-liberal society?
Feudalism, rigid social and moral hierarchies, church/state control.
What movements challenged pre-liberal norms?
Renaissance (humanism), Reformation (individual faith), and global discoveries.
Hobbes’ view of human nature?
Naturally competitive and fearful — needs a sovereign to avoid chaos.
Machiavelli’s key idea?
Separation of politics from ethics — “ends justify the means.”
Locke’s main contributions?
Social contract protects natural rights (especially property); values autonomy.
Adam Smith’s liberal economic view?
Self-interest in a free market benefits all; supported minimal state role.
What did Voltaire promote?
Religious/political tolerance, reason, rule of law.
What is Kant’s “democratic peace” theory?
Democracies avoid war because citizens must approve it.
Kant’s political philosophy?
Freedom via social contract; morality must guide politics.
Mill’s harm principle?
Liberty can only be limited to prevent harm to others.
How was liberalism tied to colonialism?
Promoted rights while excluding/controlling indigenous people.
How did piracy reflect liberal ideals?
Equality, autonomy, anti-state symbols like pirate codes and creole.
What is Michael Freeden’s view on liberalism?
A flexible, evolving ideology shaped by historical and social context.
What does social liberalism add to classic liberalism?
Social justice, welfare, and positive freedom.
Key figures of social liberalism?
Beveridge (welfare state), Attlee (UK reforms).
What defines neoliberalism?
Market-first policies, deregulation, limited welfare state.
Key neoliberal thinkers and leaders?
Hayek, Friedman, Buchanan, Reagan, Thatcher.
What areas of law does liberalism influence?
Contract (private), criminal, public (state limits), and human rights law.
What did John Rawls advocate in justice theory?
Equal basic liberties and fair social/economic inequalities.
Nozick’s libertarian view?
Minimal state; strongest focus on individual rights and non-interference.
