Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Politics paper 1 January mock > Liberalism > Flashcards

Liberalism Flashcards

1
Q

Name the core ideas of liberalism:

A
  • Liberty/freedom
  • Individualism
  • Rationalism
  • Equality
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is individualism? What type do classicals believe v modern?

A

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)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is freedom? What type do classicals believe v modern?

A

The ability of individuals to think and act as they wish

Classical = negative freedom (freedom from constraint)
Modern = positive freedom (freedom to achieve)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is rationalism? What period links liberals to this?

A

The belief that the world has a rational, logical structure that can be discovered through reason and critical thinking
The enlightenment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is equality? What type do liberals believe in?

A

The belief that individuals are of equal value and should be treated fairly

Liberals believe in foundational equality – everyone is born equal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is social justice?

A

Where the distribution of wealth in a society is morally justifiable

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is a liberal democracy?

A

A political system in which a ‘liberal’ belief in limited government is combined with a ‘democratic’ belief in a popular vote

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the “social contract”?

A

Government is given consent by the people in return for obeying rules

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Who was John Locke?

A
  • “The Father of classical liberalism”

- 17th century philosopher

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What were John Locke’s key ideas? X5

A
  • Optimistic view of human nature
  • Tolerance
  • “Natural rights” ie. right to life, liberty, and property
  • Limited government using social contract
  • Laissez-faire economy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Who was John Stuart Mill?

A
  • 19th century philosopher
  • Bridge between classical and modern liberalism
  • Utilitarianist
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What were John SM’s key ideas?

A
  • Harm principle
  • Negative freedom
  • Tolerance
  • Developmental individualism
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the “harm principle”?

A

People should be free to act as they wish, up until the point of harming somebody else

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

John SM quote on individualism:

A

“Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Why is John SM described as a transitional liberal?

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Who is John Rawls?

A
  • A 20th century American philosopher

- Most important figure in modern liberalism

17
Q

What were John Rawls’ key ideas?

A
  • 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”
18
Q

What is the veil of ignorance?

A

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

19
Q

Key words associated with classical liberals and human nature?

A
  • Rational
  • Optimistic
  • Individualism (egoistical and self-interested)
20
Q

Key words associated with classical liberals and society?

A
  • Toleration
  • Atomism (society is a collection of individuals)
  • Social Darwinism (some inequality is inevitable)
21
Q

Key words associated with classical liberals and the state?

A
  • Social contract (government by consent)
  • Limited government – “night watchman state”
  • Not in favour of democracy
  • Negative freedom
22
Q

Key words associated with classical liberals and the economy?

A
  • Laissez-faire (Adam Smith)
  • Capitalism and the free market
  • Minimal role for government
23
Q

Key words associated with modern liberals and human nature?

A
  • Optimistic *
  • Rational *
  • Developmental individualism (less selfish, more altruistic)
24
Q

Key words associated with modern liberals and society?

A
  • Tolerance *
  • Equality of opportunity
  • Social responsibility
25
Q

Key words associated with modern liberals and the state?

A
  • Positive freedom through state intervention
  • Government by consent but using democracy
  • “Enabling state”
26
Q

Key words associated with modern liberals and the economy?

A
  • Regulated capitalism

- JM Keynes rather than Smith

27
Q

Summary: main features of classical liberalism?

A 
Negative freedom 
Laissez-faire
Tolerance
Nightwatchman State
Foundational equality 
Atomism
Social contract
No democracy
28
Q

Summary: main features of modern liberalism?

A 
Developmental individualism 
Regulated capitalism using Keynesianism 
Enabling state 
Altruistic
Toleration 
Equality of opportunity 
Positive freedom 
Democracy

Politics paper 1 January mock (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions