Liberalism Flashcards
Name the core ideas of liberalism:
- Liberty/freedom
- Individualism
- Rationalism
- Equality
What is individualism? What type do classicals believe v modern?
The belief in the importance of the individual group over any group or collective body
Classical = Egoistical individualism (self-interest) Modern = Developmental individualism (human flourishing over self- interest)
What is freedom? What type do classicals believe v modern?
The ability of individuals to think and act as they wish
Classical = negative freedom (freedom from constraint) Modern = positive freedom (freedom to achieve)
What is rationalism? What period links liberals to this?
The belief that the world has a rational, logical structure that can be discovered through reason and critical thinking
The enlightenment
What is equality? What type do liberals believe in?
The belief that individuals are of equal value and should be treated fairly
Liberals believe in foundational equality – everyone is born equal
What is social justice?
Where the distribution of wealth in a society is morally justifiable
What is a liberal democracy?
A political system in which a ‘liberal’ belief in limited government is combined with a ‘democratic’ belief in a popular vote
What is the “social contract”?
Government is given consent by the people in return for obeying rules
Who was John Locke?
- “The Father of classical liberalism”
- 17th century philosopher
What were John Locke’s key ideas? X5
- Optimistic view of human nature
- Tolerance
- “Natural rights” ie. right to life, liberty, and property
- Limited government using social contract
- Laissez-faire economy
Who was John Stuart Mill?
- 19th century philosopher
- Bridge between classical and modern liberalism
- Utilitarianist
What were John SM’s key ideas?
- Harm principle
- Negative freedom
- Tolerance
- Developmental individualism
What is the “harm principle”?
People should be free to act as they wish, up until the point of harming somebody else
John SM quote on individualism:
“Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign”
Why is John SM described as a transitional liberal?
In his early writings, he argued state should have minimal intervention, but later in life he argued the state must intervene to help individuals achieve individualism
Who is John Rawls?
- A 20th century American philosopher
- Most important figure in modern liberalism
What were John Rawls’ key ideas?
- Foundational equality requires not just legal equality, but greater social/economic equality
- Enabling state using redistribution to create a more equal society – opposes “nightwatchman state”
- “Veil of ignorance”
What is the veil of ignorance?
The idea that if we didn’t know our place in society before we were born, we would want it to be equal, so we have more of a chance
Key words associated with classical liberals and human nature?
- Rational
- Optimistic
- Individualism (egoistical and self-interested)
Key words associated with classical liberals and society?
- Toleration
- Atomism (society is a collection of individuals)
- Social Darwinism (some inequality is inevitable)
Key words associated with classical liberals and the state?
- Social contract (government by consent)
- Limited government – “night watchman state”
- Not in favour of democracy
- Negative freedom
Key words associated with classical liberals and the economy?
- Laissez-faire (Adam Smith)
- Capitalism and the free market
- Minimal role for government
Key words associated with modern liberals and human nature?
- Optimistic *
- Rational *
- Developmental individualism (less selfish, more altruistic)
Key words associated with modern liberals and society?
- Tolerance *
- Equality of opportunity
- Social responsibility
Key words associated with modern liberals and the state?
- Positive freedom through state intervention
- Government by consent but using democracy
- “Enabling state”
Key words associated with modern liberals and the economy?
- Regulated capitalism
- JM Keynes rather than Smith
Summary: main features of classical liberalism?
Negative freedom Laissez-faire Tolerance Nightwatchman State Foundational equality Atomism Social contract No democracy
Summary: main features of modern liberalism?
Developmental individualism Regulated capitalism using Keynesianism Enabling state Altruistic Toleration Equality of opportunity Positive freedom Democracy
