Liberalism Flashcards
Which modern liberal is associated with positive freedom?
T.H. Green
Which classical liberal is associated with negative freedom and the harm principle?
J.S. Mill
What aspects of freedom do liberals agree on?
The importance of freedom and the need for tolerance
What did Mill say about tolerance?
Only with free discussion of ideas will truth emerge. Tolerance also prevents tyranny of the majority
What did Rawls say about tolerance?
A just society should tolerate the intolerant as otherwise the society would itself be intolerant
What did Adam Smith say about individualism?
“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect out dinner, but from their regard to their own interest”
What does developmental individualism mean?
To truly flourish, individuals must be moral and altruistic
What does atomistic individualism mean?
Individuals should pursue their own interests and should be self-reliant. each individual behaves like a separate atom in society.
What do liberals agree on about individualism?
The individual always comes first
Example of negative freedom in the economy?
Laissez-faire
What did Locke write about freedom?
“Men being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal and independent”
What did Friedan write about freedom?
That women should also be free. “Who knows what women are could be when they are finally free to be themselves”
What do liberals agree on about the state?
That a state is necessary to protect individuals and their freedom, to ensure justice, and to enforce laws
Examples of why a state is necessary (two)
Locke said ‘when there is no law there is no freedom’
Rawls said that a state was necessary to ensure social justice
What is the social contract theory?
Locke argued that if we were in a state of nature, we would enter into an agreement or social contract to establish a state and secure our safety
