Liberalism

Question 1

Overall view of human nature

Answer 1

People are rational individuals capable of perceiving their own interests
Liberals stress the positive potential of human nature
Equality of opportunity

Question 2

Classic liberal view of human nature

Answer 2

People should be restricted only where their is risk of threatening the freedom of others

Question 3

Modern liberals view of human nature

Answer 3

More conscious of social injustice and favour some external intervention by the state to counter this

Question 4

Overall view of the state

Answer 4

The state is based on agreement of the people who choose to give up some freedom in return for security
They believe in a limited government with checks and balances
Often support the decentralisation of power

Question 5

Classic liberal view of society

Answer 5

See it primarily of a collection of individuals pursuing their own interests
Advocated the concept of meritocracy
Notion of foundational equality and formal equality

Question 6

Modern liberal view of society

Answer 6

This alone is not enough to guarantee true social equality
Assistance by state to combat poverty is necessary to enable people to flourish and for a fair society to develop
In which inequality is minimised

Question 7

Classic liberal view on the economy

Answer 7

Emphasis on the individual led to a believe in free market capitalism
The economy is best served by limited state intervention

Question 8

Modern liberal view on the economy

Answer 8

More concours of the failing in 20th centre and argued that state intervention is necessary to promote stable economic growth and limit the injustices associated with large scale unemployment and poverty

Question 9

How did classic liberalism emerge

Answer 9

With the rise of the industrial capitalism in the 18th and 19th century
Was re invented in Britain as neo liberalism associated with the new right

Question 10

How did modern liberalism emerge

Answer 10

In the late 20th century in reaction to the growth of free market capitalism
It did not wish to abolish capitalism
Did believe in regulating market to avoid excessive poverty
Do not believe that people can be truly free by simply ‘left alone’

Question 11

What type of individualism do classical liberals believe in

Answer 11

Egoistical individualism

Question 12

What type of freedom do classical liberals believe in

Answer 12

Negative freedom (less state involvement)

Question 13

What freedom do modern liberals prefer

Answer 13

Positive

Question 14

What individualism do modern liberals prefer

Answer 14

Developmental - enjoy personal growth and empowerment

Question 15

Overall view of state

Answer 15

Both believe in decentralisation, checks and balances and protecting civil liberties
Mechanistic theory - a machine created to serve the individual

Question 16

Classical liberal view of state

Answer 16

Minimal night watchman state
Role to maintain social order
Create environment for laissez fair capitalism
Social Darwinism - those who do well are those who adapt most successfully to their economic environment

Question 17

Modern liberal view of the state

Answer 17

Enabling state
If individuals are held back by personal disadvantages the state has a social responsibility to help

Question 18

4 classic and modern liberalism similarities

Answer 18

Both seek to enhance individual freedom
Both believe in equality of opportunity and equal civil rights
Both wish to place limits on the power of the state (decentralisation, checks and accountability, consitution)
Both support the fundamental aspects of private ownership and capitalism as opposed to a state controlled economy

Question 19

Liberalism differences

Answer 19

C- negative freedom
M-under free market capitalism no one truly free

C-society is just a collection of individuals
M- promotion of a common good must go hand in hand with individual freedom

C-state intervention decision making weakens individualism
M-intervention by state is necessary to promote true equality

C- largely sel regulating free market economy
M-see flaws of capitalism so govt management is needed