Liberalism Flashcards
What were John Locke’s ideas?
Father of classical liberalism
Natural rights of man: individuals should make their own decisions about where and how they live
Social contract: government by the consent of the governed, who give up some personal freedoms in return for personal security
John Locke statements
“Every man has a property in his own person. This nobody has a right to, but himself.”
“Being all equal and independent, no one ought to har manother in his life, health liberty, or possessions.”
Mary Wollstonecraft ideas
Celebrated freedom as a fundamental value for all, including women
Believed personal and political freedom should be promoted
Imagined a social order founded on reason, as men and women are rational beings and capable of self-determination
Mary Wollstonecraft statements
“The divine right of husbands, like the divine right of kings, may, it is hoped, in this enlightened age, be contested without danger.”
“Women ought to have representatives, instead of being arbitrarily governed without any direct share allowed tem in the deliberations of government.”
“The only freedom … is that of pursuing our own good in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs.”
John Rawls ideas
Modern liberalism: Rawls defended a more egalitarian liberalism
Argued for access to basic liberties which should be open to all - equality of opportunity
John Rawls statements
“A just society is a society that if you knew everything about it, you’d be willing to enter it in a random place.”
“Liberal constitutional democracy is supposed to ensure that eahc citizen is free and equal and protected by basic rights and liberties.”
Betty Friedan ideas
Sought equal political and legal rights for women
Argued that marriage was an outdated institution which fettered women
Betty Friedan statements
“Who knows what women can be when they are finally free to become themselves.”
“A girl should not expect special privileges because of her sex, but neither should she “adjust” to privilege and discrimination.”
Classical liberalism views on economy
Free market
No economic role for state
Modern liberalism views on the economy
Willing to accept a mixed economy
State has an economy role to play
Classical liberalism views of the state
Fears the state acting in society
Fears welfare
Modern liberalism views on the state
Favours the state to act in society
Favours welfare
Positive freedom
Expands democratic rights and values
Classical liberalism views on society
Individual carries primary responsibility
Individuals not the group
Modern liberalism views on society
Society has responsibilities
Both individuals and the group
