Liberalism Flashcards
what is Mechanist Theory
This argues that mankind is rational therefore capable of devising a state that reflects mankind’s needs. this reinforce notions like ‘divine right of kings’.
What is Egotistical individualism
Human beings are naturally drawn to the advancement of their own, selfish interests and the pursuit of their own happiness.
Economic liberalism
This is capitalism and the 3 liberal aspects are - private property (which early liberals like Locke thought were a ‘natural right’) Individualistic theory and ultimate benefit to all.
What is individualism
Vital to the liberal ideology. The individual should be at the heart of political thought. economic life and social organisation.
liberal politicians seek to Maximise:
Self Determination (control of their own lives)
Self-Realisation (discovering their ‘true’ selves and potential)
Self-Fulfilment (the achievement of ones ‘personal mission’)
What is the state of nature.
this referrers to what life might have been like before laws, formal rules and governments became into existence
What is Social contract
Linked to Enlightenment Philosophers, denotes that the state should be a ‘deal’ between governments and governed.
For submitting to the state’s laws, the governed should be gauranteed certain rights and if violated it is the citizens obligation to destroy the current state and create a new one.
What is the tolerance / Harm Priciple
This is the belief that particular views and activities - some which we frown upon - should be tolerated so long as they do not ‘harm’ the freedom of others.
What is Foundational equality / Legal equality
This refers to every individual is born equal with equal natural rights. Therefore individuals in the liberal state should have legal equality and equal recognition of individual rights.
What is Equality of Opportunity
All individuals should be allowed similar opportunities to develop higher potential.
Unlike socialism equality of opportunity does not necessarily exist alongside greater equality of outcome.
What is limited government
Where government is ‘limited’ in terms of how it can act by a constitution’s formal rules and procedures.
How should power be dispersed in a liberal state
- Formal separation of powers
- Separation of powers within the legislature therefore a ‘bicameral’ legislature
- A bill of rights
- Supreme court, to uphold any bill of rights whose decisions override those of elected governments
- A federal system of government, State functions are delegated to various regional governments.
What is Liaises-Faire Capitalism
Based on Private property and the belief in ‘negative liberty’, this is a economic system which allows private enterprise and capitalism to operate without interference.
What is Negative liberty
This is the freedom of interreference by other people or government.
What is a Minimal State
The minimal state was one that reflected the concept of ‘negative liberty’ by minimising the states actions
such as: legislating and taxing as infrequently as possible, whilst continuing to fund areas such as defence and the protection of private property.
What is developmental individualism
JS Mill theory who wished to focus on what individuals could become rather than what they had become.
This explains Mill’s focus on formal education
What is Positive Freedom
The belief that individuals left alone are often inhibited rather than ‘free’ therefore they need enabling so that they are ‘free’ to exercise their talents.
What is Social Liberalism
A updated version of tolerance, this involves legislation that may criminalise actions that discriminate against individuals on the ground of reach, gender, sexual orientation, disability and religious persuasion.
John Locke (1632 - 1704) Book Title
Two Treatises of Government (1690)
John Locke Context
Locke is seen as the father of liberal philosophy
Central figure for the original version of liberalism - Classical Liberalism.
Philosopher who came out of the Enlightenment
Locke’s view on Human nature
Locke theorised Human beings are rational, guided by the pursuit of self interest but mindful of others’ concerns
Locke’s view on the state
The ‘true’ state would be one created by mankind to serve mankind’s interests and would arise only from the ‘consent of those who would be governed by it’
Locke’s ideal state would be one where citizens would had voluntarily consented to the state rulings and requiring the ongoing consent of the citizens
‘Social Contract Theory’
Locke’s view on Society
Disputed the divine right to govern, Rejected the notion that ‘ordinary’ people were ‘subjects’ of the state
Society predates the state with the state of nature which encompassed natural Laws, Natural Liberties and Natural Rights.
Locke’s view on the Economy.
The state should reflect the values of individualism and private ownership in the economic policy.
Mary Wollstonecraft (1759 - 97) book titles
Vindication of the rights of Men 1790
Vindication of the rights of women 1792
Mary Wollstonecraft context
Classical Liberal English philosopher influenced by Locke. She strongly influenced the feminist ideology.
As a woman in the 18th century she did not have the ability to vote which she said was ‘a blatant violation of government by consent’
Wollstonecraft View on Human nature
Men and women rationally have the same intellectual capacity
Keeping women in these ‘separate spheres’ nations were limiting their sock of intelligence, wisdom and morality
Wollstonecraft view on the state
In favour of a republican government and formal equality, including a constitutional defence of individual rights by extension women’s rights.
Formal education should be provided to as many women and men as possible
Wollstonecraft view on society
In 18th century England society implied that women were not rational and therefore were denied individual freedom or formal equality
Women were complicit in their subjugation, yearning for only motherhood or marriage.
Wollstonecraft view on the economy
A Free-Market Economy would be energised by the free business women
John Stuart Mill (1806 - 73) Book title
On Liberty 1859 - ‘Negative Freedom’ was spawned out of this book
John Stuart Mill Context
Regarded as one of the Greatest English philosophers. HIs father was a utilitarian philosopher (James Mill) who served to develop the ideas of Locke and Wollstonecraft.
Mill was known as a Transitional Liberal (A bridge between Classical liberalism and Modern liberalism)
Mill’s view on Human Nature
Mill had no definitive human nature argument however there was always room for improvement
Mill’s view on the state.
The state should follow the ideas of Negative Freedom.
Harm principle - If someone’s actions do not physically harm someone then it should be tolerated by individuals and the state
Mill’s view on society
Individuality and self improvement co-existed with each other would create the best society.
Mill’s view on The economy
Laissez-faire capitalism was vital to progress individual enterprise and individual initiative
Negative liberty - for people to achieve their true purpose there cannot be restraint
John Rawls’ Book titles
A theory of Justice 1971
John Rawls Context (1921-2002)
An American philosopher. Modern liberal.
Born into the great depression in America and had first hand experience of the poverty and wealth inequality in America
Rawls’ ‘Original Position’
Individuals would be asked to construct from scratch a society they judged to be superior to the one they lived in currently.
how would wealth and power be distribution
Rawls’ ‘Veil of ignorance’
Individuals would have no preconceptions about the sort of people they themselves might be in this new society: Race, Gender, Religion, Wealth
Human nature dictates individuals choose a society where the poorest members faced significantly better than in the present society
Rawls’ view on Human Nature
Human nature is selfish yet empathetic and rational. valuing both individual liberty and the freedom of those around them.
Rawls’ view on the state.
The state should become an ‘enabling state’ giving people a leg up to achieve their full potential
there should be a significant redistribution of wealth via extensive public spending and progressive taxation.
Rawls’ view on society
individuals would choose a society where the disadvantaged conditions would be improved
‘Original position’
‘veil of ignorance’
Rawls’ view on the economy
He believed in a free market however it should be observed due to the states obligation to advance its poorest citizens.
Betty Friedan Book Titles
The Feminine Mystique 1963
Betty Friedan Context (1921-2006)
American Philosopher and a Modern liberal.
Created NOW (National Organization for Women)
Like Wollstonecraft Friedan had a profound affect in the feminist ideology and with her book she is credited in being the instigating factor for the 2nd wave of feminism.
Friedan view on Human nature
Human nature has evolved in a way that discourages self-advancement among women
Friedan’s view on the state
The state as of right now is Patriarchal (in favour of the dominant gender).
It should be proactive in creating legislation to prevent continued discrimination against women.
Friedan’s view on society
It was illiberal attitudes in society rather than human nature that condemned most women to underachievement
These notions were fostered and transmitted through society’s various ‘cultural channels’
Society is Chauvinistic towards women.
However women are complicit in their repression
‘Chauvinism’ - Belief in superiority or dominance of one group or people over another
Cultural Channels - Schools, Organised religion, The media and main stream literature, theatre and Cinema
Friedan’s view on the economy
Free market capitalism could be an ally of female emancipation. So long as legislation is there to break down discrimination
