liberal thinkers Flashcards
John Locke
1632-1704
Key thinker in classical liberalism with his work Two Treatises of Government (1690) attacking the idea that the monarchy has a natural right to rule over others and establishing a liberal justification for a minimal state.
John Locke on human nature
human beings are rational, guided by the pursuit of self-interest, but mindful of others’ concerns
John Locke on the state
state must be representative, based on the consent of the governed
John Locke on society
society predates the state: there were ‘natural’ societies with natural laws and natural rights
John Locke on the economy
state policy should respect the ‘natural right’ to private property and arbitrate effectively between individuals competing for trade and resources
Mary Wollstonecraft
1759-97
was committed to extending liberal thinking, particularly in relation to gender equality in society through her work A Vindication of the Rights of Women 1792
Wollstonecraft on human nature
rationalism defines both genders, intellectually, men and women are not very different
Wollstonecraft on the state
the monarchical state. should be replaced by a republic which enshrines women’s rights
Wollstonecraft on society
society ‘infantilised’ women and thus stifled female individualism
Wollstonecraft on the economy
a free-market economy would be energised by the enterprise of the liberated women
John stuart mill on the human nature
though fundamentally rational, human nature isn’t fixed- its forever progressing to a higher level
John stuart mill on the state
the state should proceed cautiously towards representative democracy, mindful of minority rights
John stuart mill on society
best society was one where ‘individuality’ co-existed with tolerance and self-improvement
John stuart mill on the economy
laissez-faire capitalism was vital to progress, individual enterprise and individual initiative
John Rawls on human nature
mankind is selfish yet empathetic, valuing both individual liberty and the plight of those around them
John Rawls on the state
state should enable less fortunate individuals to advance, via public spending and public services
John Rawls on society
society most individuals would choose would be one where the condition of ht poorest improved
John Rawls on the economy
free-market capitalism should be tempered by the state’s obligations to advance its poorest citizens
Betty Friedan on human nature
human nature has evolved in a way that discourages self-advancement among women
Betty friedan on the state
state should legislate to prevent continued discrimination against female individuals
Betty friedan on society
society remained chauvinistic towards women, though women were complicit in their repression
Betty friedan on the economy
free-market capitalism could be an ally of female emancipation, if allied to legislation precluding sexual discrimination
John Stuart Mill
(1806–73)
19th century British philosopher and economist who is regarded as one of the most influential liberals of all time. He defended the principle of individual liberty and the freedom of expression, and formulated the harm principle, which states that the only justification for the state to interfere with the actions of individuals is to prevent harm to others. also advocated for the protection of minority rights and the diversity of opinions in society, as he believed that the majority opinion may not always be the best or the most correct.
John Rawls
1921-2002
American philosopher thought to be the most important exponent of modern liberalism in the 20th century. Rawls work A Theory of Justice (1971) developed the idea of an enabling state based on the principle of equality of fairness.
Betty friedan
1921-2006
linked mainly to the development of feminist ideology, via her acclaimed work The Feminine Mystique (1963). her ideas also served to broaden liberalism’s interest in equality of opportunity
Thomas hill green
1836-82
changed the approach of liberalism towards the state and developed arguments for positive freedom in Lectures on the Principles of Political Obligation (1895).
- freedom should not be understood in a purely negative sense. should also be understood in a purely positive sense- the freedom of the individual to rise above the narrow concerns of self-interest to contribute to the common good of society by making the best of their own unique talents and ability.
- positive freedom can only be achieved by removing hereditary privilege in society and tackling poverty
- argued that the state had to take a more positive role by freeing the poor from ignorance, disease, poor-quality housing and exploitation in the workplace
