Liberalism Flashcards
Key word:
What does foundational equality mean
A fundamental liberal belief that all people are born with natural rights that entitle them to liberty, the pursuit of happiness and avoidance of pain.
In a liberal state this means the rule of law where all people are treated equally under the law
Key word:
what does egoistical individualism mean
the belief that individual freedom is associated with a rational sense of self reliance and self interest (people are able to make decisions for themselves)
Key word:
What does developmental individualism mean
Both classical and modern liberals think that people must help themselves to improve.
What do classical and modern liberalists think about developmental individualism
Classical liberals think that the state should interfere as little as possible in this process, whereas modern liberals believe that the state, by intervening can assist in individual development (e.g.) a state-run education system)
Key word:
What does formal equality mean
Similar to foundational equality
It includes equality under the law bit also the principle that every individual is entitled to equal treatment in society.
It also includes the idea of equality of opportunity and the abolition of social differences such as gender equality
Key word:
What does social contract mean
The state is based on a contract between the government and the people.
Government agrees to make itself accountable to the people and to operate within the law while the people should agree to obey the laws and uphold the security of the state
(The people give power to the state to let them rule and in return the people obey laws)
Key word:
What does limited government mean
Limited government means that governments should be restricted by laws and constitutions (means that gov cant just do whatever they like)
What do classical and neoliberalists think about limited government
Both Classical and neo-liberals support entrenched constitutions and the separation of powers to reinforce limited government
Key word:
What does laissez faire capitalism mean
An idea about the role of the state within a capitalist economy, which proposes that capitalism and wealth creation are enhanced if the state doesnt intervene with market for goods, services and labour
Key word:
What does capitalism mean
an economic system in which means of production of goods, services are privately owned and operated for profit
Key word:
What does constitutionalism mean
The belief that a governments authority is determined by a body of laws or a constitution.
e.g. an example of this is the US constitution. A government has to abide by the US constitution and everything that they do has to be backed by the US constitution.
Key word:
What does the harm principle mean
The idea that the state is justified in interfering with people’s freedom when it is to prevent some citizens doing harm to others
Key word:
What does minimal state mean
A concept associated with classical liberalism and modern liberalism.
It suggests that in a free society the state must be strongly controlled and should have a minimal breadth of functions that they can perform.
If the state has too many functions it is likely to interfere with liberties. This concept is also associated with lassiez- faire capitalism
Key word:
What does enabling state mean
A state that doesnt necessarily provide for people directly but creates the conditions where people can help themselves
e.g. education - if you do well in education you will do well in life.
Key word:
What does equality of opportunity mean
All liberals accept that inequality is inevitable in a free society.
Modern liberal’s argue for equality of opportunity (everyone can have a chance and is put on the same playing field) by enabling all citizens to have access to education and for society to be truly meritocratic
Key word:
What does Keynesianism mean
A system of economic management where the state (government) directly intervenes to stimulate the economy to achieve full employment and economic growth
Key word:
What does tolerance mean (use liberalists)
Requires a willingness to accept the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.
Locke argued for a need to tolerate diversity of spiritual belief because one cannot force another human being toto have faith
Mill - advocated for the freedom of speech as essential for the discovery of the truth
Key word:
What does the mechanistic theory of the state mean
The idea that the state is not organic but was created by individuals to serve them and act in their interrests.
Classical and modern liberals differ in their definitions of what these best interests are
Key word:
What is the divine right of kings
political and religious idea that asserts that a monarch’s authority comes from God rather than the consent of the people.
(God chose the king to have that position)
Key word:
What does state of nature mean
refers to the hypothetical condition of humans before the establishment of organised society or government
Key word:
What does natural law mean
a set of moral rules that are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason e.g. it is wrong to kill or steal
Key word:
What does natural rights mean
Rights that every person is believed to have simply by being human They don’t depend of a personals background or societal status e.g. life, liberty and property.
