liberalism Flashcards
liberalism
a political ideology that emphasises the civil rights of citizens, representative government, and the protection of private property
origin
stemmed from Enlightenment thinkers who wanted greater freedom for individual and to break down the barriers of the feudal system
when did John Locke live?
1632-1704. during enlightenment, English Civil War and Glorious Revolution. before the Industrial Revolution
how did Locke believe the state should function?
small, organic state with ongoing consent of the electorate. govern by natural laws. major roles to protect citizens and arbiter trade
how did Locke view human nature?
rational and guided by self-interest yet mindful of the concerns of others. individualistic
what was Locke’s view on society?
society predated the state and had been governed by natural laws and rights. reaction to Hobbes. natural rights, liberty, poverty etc.
Locke on economy?
essentially free market to encourage enterprise and ownership. Inalienable right to private property, with trade free but enforced by state
what is a social contract
deal between government and the electorate that they should rule according to popular will. requires regular elections. guarantees rights and obligation to respect laws
when did Wollstonecraft live?
1759-1797. during the beginning of the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution in Britain. American Independence.
Wollstonecraft on human nature
rational and guided by self-interest. it has been in men’s interests to suppress women for millennia and it was time to fight for equality
Wollstonecraft on state
replace monarchy and constitutional government with a republic with secured rights. representative democracy. key role to provide education
Wollstonecraft on society
society represses women through antiquated marriage. patriarchy surpresses women
Wollstonecraft on economy
essential to incorporate women into the economy. economy, like state, must represent the society with which it coexists
when did John Stuart Mill live?
1806-1873. industrial revolution taking hold of Europe and liberal ideas spreading through revolutions. age of ethical philosophy
Mill on human nature
rational but unlimited. continually in pursuit of self-improvement and perfection. ‘progressive being’
Mill on the state
must be representative of its citizens, but all of them. tyranny of the majority - minority view must be incorporated into decisions
Mill’s views on society
individuals must co-exist peacefully with room for self-improvement. harm principle
mill on the economy
Laissez-faire allows individuals to flourish best, unconstrained by the state
when did John Rawls live?
1921-2002. grew up in Rooseveltian New deal USA. war and recovery. more provisions for poor and disabled than ever. greater wealth inequality and opportunity disparity. free market and unequal growth prevailing
veil of ignorance
the rules for society that we would propose if we did not know how lucky we would be in life’s lottery. essentially selfish equality
Rawls on Human Nature
selfish yet empathetic. everyone seeks self-improvement and aggrandisation, but would choose equality in a ‘perfect world’ . everyone deserves a chance
Rawls on the state
state must provide for the less well off and ensure a meritocracy. public spending and services
Rawls on society
people should support each other and be on equal footing. inequality is justified in the name of progress. rich should provide for poorer through taxation
Rawls on economy
welfare state. relatively high taxation and freedom for companies and individuals to grow and accrue wealth. inequality essential
when did Betty Friedan live?
1921-2006. same as Rawls but additional perspective of women’s rights growth
Friedan on human nature
all individuals should have freedom for self-determination. people would not choose to discriminate but society encourages it
Friedan on state
rejected the idea that patriarchal state held women back. state must safeguard the rights of women and minorities and intervene to prevent inequality
Friedan on society
illiberal attitudes transmitted via ‘cultural conditioning’. these hold back women and minorities. irrational
Freidan on economy
welfare state. inequality never tolerated. free markets allow realisation of potential but this must be distributed through thorough taxation
