liberalism Flashcards
Individualism
Individualism is the belief in the supreme importance of the individual over any social group or collective body.
All individuals are unique and have their own wealth
Developmental individualism
Individuals should be able to control their own destinies to achieve self-fulfilment, requiring some state intervention.
Egotistical individualism
Self seeking and self reliant society is little more than a collection of individuals.
Tolerance
Individual choices, practices and beliefs should be tolerated.
Freedom
Being free from government restraint. However, the ability to enjoy freedom will be constrained by laws.
Negative freedom
Individuals should be able to exercise their judgment about their own needs without needing to be guided by external authorities.
Positive freedom
Individual freedom is linked to the desire to create a society in which each person can grow.
The state
A collection of permanent institutions that make up a nation under one government.
Limited government
A system of government with checks and balances limiting the exercise of power.
Constitutionalism
Government in which power is distributed and limited by a system of laws, usually codified through a written constitution.
Laissez-faire capitalism
Self-interest and the free-market drive economic growth.
Rationalism
Humans are rational creatures capable of reason and logic and should be entrusted with as much freedom as possible
Equality of opportunity
The idea that all individuals should have equal chances in life to rise and fall.
Foundational equality
the rights that all humans have by virtue of being born
Meritocracy
People with different abilities should be rewarded differently, rewarding hard work.
Social contract
People must freely give, and renew, their consent to be governed. They have a right to rebellion if the government breaks this contract
John Locke dates and Key works
1632 - 1704 - Two treatises on Gov’t (1689)
John Locke’s key ideas
‘life, liberty & property’ Society, state and government are based on a voluntary agreement or contract. Foundational inequality Social contract limited Gov’t
John Locke - Human nature
Natural rights were present before the state and before the state life was pleasant so the state should return to a society based on natural rights
John Locke - The state
The gov’t should be limited and based on consent from below.
Night watchman state
People have the right to overthrow gov’t as part of the social contract
John Locke - Society
foundational equality or natural rights - we are all born equal in rights and we, and the state, must respect these rights Govt should also exercise tolerance
John Locke - Econ
Property rights
Mary Wollstonecraft dates and key works
1759-97
A vindication of the rights of women (1792)
Mary W - Key ideas
Women are rational independent beings capable of reason
In order to be free,women should enjoy full civil liberties and be able to pursue a career.
