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A-Level Government & Politics Ideologies > Liberalism > Flashcards

Liberalism Flashcards

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1
Q

what is Mechanist Theory

A

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’.

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2
Q

What is Egotistical individualism

A

Human beings are naturally drawn to the advancement of their own, selfish interests and the pursuit of their own happiness.

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3
Q

Economic liberalism

A

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.

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4
Q

What is individualism

A

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’)

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5
Q

What is the state of nature.

A

this referrers to what life might have been like before laws, formal rules and governments became into existence

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6
Q

What is Social contract

A

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.

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7
Q

What is the tolerance / Harm Priciple

A

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.

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8
Q

What is Foundational equality / Legal equality

A

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.

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9
Q

What is Equality of Opportunity

A

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.

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10
Q

What is limited government

A

Where government is ‘limited’ in terms of how it can act by a constitution’s formal rules and procedures.

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11
Q

How should power be dispersed in a liberal state

A
  • 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.
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12
Q

What is Liaises-Faire Capitalism

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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.

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13
Q

What is Negative liberty

A

This is the freedom of interreference by other people or government.

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14
Q

What is a Minimal State

A

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.

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15
Q

What is developmental individualism

A

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

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16
Q

What is Positive Freedom

A

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.

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17
Q

What is Social Liberalism

A

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.

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18
Q

John Locke (1632 - 1704) Book Title

A

Two Treatises of Government (1690)

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19
Q

John Locke Context

A

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

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20
Q

Locke’s view on Human nature

A

Locke theorised Human beings are rational, guided by the pursuit of self interest but mindful of others’ concerns

21
Q

Locke’s view on the state

A

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’

22
Q

Locke’s view on Society

A

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.

23
Q

Locke’s view on the Economy.

A

The state should reflect the values of individualism and private ownership in the economic policy.

24
Q

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759 - 97) book titles

A

Vindication of the rights of Men 1790

Vindication of the rights of women 1792

25
Q

Mary Wollstonecraft context

A

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’

26
Q

Wollstonecraft View on Human nature

A

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

27
Q

Wollstonecraft view on the state

A

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

28
Q

Wollstonecraft view on society

A

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.

29
Q

Wollstonecraft view on the economy

A

A Free-Market Economy would be energised by the free business women

30
Q

John Stuart Mill (1806 - 73) Book title

A

On Liberty 1859 - ‘Negative Freedom’ was spawned out of this book

31
Q

John Stuart Mill Context

A

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)

32
Q

Mill’s view on Human Nature

A

Mill had no definitive human nature argument however there was always room for improvement

33
Q

Mill’s view on the state.

A

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

34
Q

Mill’s view on society

A

Individuality and self improvement co-existed with each other would create the best society.

35
Q

Mill’s view on The economy

A

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

36
Q

John Rawls’ Book titles

A

A theory of Justice 1971

37
Q

John Rawls Context (1921-2002)

A

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

38
Q

Rawls’ ‘Original Position’

A

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

39
Q

Rawls’ ‘Veil of ignorance’

A

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

40
Q

Rawls’ view on Human Nature

A

Human nature is selfish yet empathetic and rational. valuing both individual liberty and the freedom of those around them.

41
Q

Rawls’ view on the state.

A

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.

42
Q

Rawls’ view on society

A

individuals would choose a society where the disadvantaged conditions would be improved

‘Original position’
‘veil of ignorance’

43
Q

Rawls’ view on the economy

A

He believed in a free market however it should be observed due to the states obligation to advance its poorest citizens.

44
Q

Betty Friedan Book Titles

A

The Feminine Mystique 1963

45
Q

Betty Friedan Context (1921-2006)

A

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.

46
Q

Friedan view on Human nature

A

Human nature has evolved in a way that discourages self-advancement among women

47
Q

Friedan’s view on the state

A

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.

48
Q

Friedan’s view on society

A

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

49
Q

Friedan’s view on the economy

A

Free market capitalism could be an ally of female emancipation. So long as legislation is there to break down discrimination

A-Level Government & Politics Ideologies (4 decks)

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