liberalism Flashcards
what are the six core beliefs in liberalism?
-individualism
-freedom/liberty
-Limited state
-Rationalism
-equality/social justice
-liberal democracy
who are the 5 key thinkers in liberalism?
John Locke
John Rawls
John Stuart Mill
Betty Friedan
Mary Wollenscraft
what are the two strands within liberalism?
classical and modern
what is meant by individualism?
the individual is the most important focus (even over society). Both classical and modern liberals believe the welfare of the individual is very important, in fact more important than society. This derives from their shared belief that the individual is rational. However, differences emerge when we consider how should the state interact with the individual.
what is the difference between egotistical and developmental individualism? (and which strands do they belong to)
Classical – believe in egotistical individualism. Humans are rational beings and will act in self-interest to achieve self-reliance. Individuals should therefore look after their own interest instead of a collective interest, and in this sense society does not exist. Self-interested individuals know what is best for them, and thus the most productive code of conduct is to do what we all think will benefit us individually.
Modern- believe in developmental individualism. The state should intervene to encourage and enhance growth. We can only act rational if we have the means to do so. Government intervention is supported as it gives individuals the means to realise their full potential, and fully exercise their rational. For example: healthcare, schooling, etc. In this sense, we do have some social responsibility.
^The distinction between the two types of individualism is derived from how the state should interact with the individual.
what is meant by freedom / liberty?
the ability (and right) to be free to make our own decisions. Both classical and modern liberals believe that freedom is a natural right. However, they differ on how true freedom can be achieved – either the absence or presence of legislation.
what is the difference between negative and positive freedom and which strand do they belong to?
Classical – believe in negative freedom. This is the absence of barriers and legislation to do what you want to do. This requires a limited role of the state in practice, to ensure the individual can fully exercise their rationality without restrictions in place (like law). The individual is most free, in the absence of law.
^John Stuart Mill states the Harm principle, and how the individual should be free to do anything they want, other than harm another rational individual.
Modern – believe in positive freedom. Where the state enhances freedom through legislation. Although negative freedom in some areas is important for us to exercise our rational, it is not sufficient for us to live a flourishing life. The state can widen an individuals potential by legislating on areas that will protect and enhance their growth as an individual.
^The Beveridge report was made after WW2 to see what was holding people back from progress. William Beveridge reported ‘five giants’ that prevented people from bettering themselves. The five giants are: poverty, lack of education, poor housing, lack of healthcare, unemployment. He reported: “A starving man is not free, because till he is fed, he cannot have a thought for anything but”.
What is the main debate about the role of the state within liberalism?
How the state should interact with the individual. This is the main area of disagreement between classical and modern liberals. However, this stems from their differing views on how important negative freedom is.
what is the difference between a night watchman state and an enabling state, and what strand do both belong to?
Classical – Believe in a night-watchman state. The states’ function is minimal and limited. They should keep an eye on the country, yet only intervene when necessary – just like a watchman. Classical liberals are strong advocates for ‘checks and balances’ as well as a constitution, as this ensures there’s a higher authority above the Government so they can’t infringe on areas they’re not meant to. In this sense, they believe that the state is a necessary evil - necessary as they must protect individuals from violence, etc, yet evil as they have the ability and power to legislate on areas they shouldn’t interfere with.
Modern – believe in an enabling state. The state should interfere in areas of life that may enhance personal growth and flourishment. The state should accept some level of responsibility for meeting our welfare needs. For example, the NHS, free education, etc. This derives from modern liberals’ belief on positive freedom, and how the state should enhance this freedom. The state has a responsibility to create equal opportunities, yet not equal outcomes.
what is meant by rationalism?
humans are rational beings, capable of logic and reason
This is liberalisms view on human nature and is therefore the foundational belief of the theory. Both classical and modern liberals agree that the individual is rational. However, they disagree on how the state should interact with this ability to act rationally.
how do the two strands disagree and agree on the role of rationalism?
Both classical and Modern- Every single individual is a rational human being. We are equal therefore due to our shared human nature. Our behaviour and decisions are based on rational reasoning, not emotions. As we are governed by reason, we should be trusted with the freedom to make the choices we rationally conclude/want. We should be free to exercise our free will. This is why it is important for us to pursue our own ends, as no one is of higher authority to tell us that what we want is an irrational want – arriving at utilitarianism.
^Yet Classical and Modern liberals disagree on how the state should interact with our ability to rationalise.
^They also disagree on how our ability to rationalise should affect freedom and legislation.
what is meant by equality / justice?
individuals are of equal value
Due to our roots of rationality, individuals are all equal, and should therefore be treated as equals.
how do the strands differ on their views of equality?
Classical and modern liberals believe in Foundational equality- The belief that all human beings are born equal. This means everyone has the same ‘natural rights’ as each other.
^A natural right is a right not dependent on legislation to exist. Natural rights should therefore not be denied (nor restricted) by any Government.
Classical and modern liberals believe in Formal equality – Each person to have the same formal status within society. This means that all individuals should be deemed equal before the law too. No human should be given any higher social status than another. In this sense, liberals reject a hierarchy or a government with too much binding power. Formal equality also supports the idea of everyone getting the vote.
Modern – believe in equality of opportunity. This is the idea that all individuals should have equal opportunities, yet it is up to the individual to grab this opportunity with both hands. The state has the duty to make sure everyone has an equal chance to exercise their rational, yet the state should not be held account for how well you use that rational. In this sense, modern liberals support a meritocracy.
what is the belief of a liberal democracy?
political power is limited by the rule of law
Is a type of democracy where the power of the government is limited, and individual’s rights are officially protected through law. Both classical and modern liberals believe in a liberal democracy due to our ability to rationalise.
-The government gets its legitimacy from the people through regular, fair, free elections. A high turnout is necessary to ensure the verdict is accurate for all rational agents. There should be free speech and a free press to ensure rational agents have all the information needed in order to make a rational decision.
what does a modern liberal believe about the liberal democracy?
A liberal democracies primary goal is to make sure the Government stays limited and checks and balances are put in place to ensure they don’t overstep their duties. Yet for a modern liberal, as they want government intervention for enhancement purposes, the government has got to have a certain degree of binding taxation power, etc to actually enforce their goals of helping the individual. There issues start to arise for a modern liberal, as the government should have enough power to actually work effectively.
