liberalism Flashcards
define mechanistic theory
linked to Locke who argues that mankind is rational and therefore capable of devising a state suitable for our needs
define equality of opportunity
individual should be allowed similar opportunities to develop their full potential
define egotistical individualism
humana’s re selfish and try to pursue their own happiness
define limited government
government being restricted by how they can act
define economic liberalism
capitalism which leads to private property, individual behaviour and having ultimate benefit to all
define laissez faire capitalism
economic system that allows for private enterprise with little to no state interference
define negative liberty
individuals left alone with no interference from the state
define social contract
state should be a deal between government and governed
define minimal state
minimising state activities like taxing infrequently, which links to negative liberty
define tolerance or harm principle
views and actions should be tolerated as long as they do not harm the freedom of others
define developmental individualism
focus on what individuals can become
define foundation or legal equality
every individual is born equal
define positive freedom
state give freedom to do something in order to be fully free
define enabling state
state that liberates individuals from restrictive social and economic problems
define social liberalism
involves legislation that may criminalise actions that discriminate against individuals
define individualism and features of it
primacy of the individual in society over any group
- developmental vs egoistical individualism
- tolerance or harm principle
define freedom and features of it
ability and right to make your own decision
- positive vs negative freedom
liberal view on the state being a necessary evil
- minimal state
- enabling state
- support constitutionalism so power is distributed
- leads to laissez faire capitalism
define rationalism and features of it
belief that humans are rational and capable of reason and logic
- fosters a progressive society
- mechanistic theory
define equality/social justice and features of it
individuals are of equal value and should all be treated the same
- foundation or legal equality
- equality of opportunity
- promotes meritocracy
define liberal democracy and features of it
a democracy that balances will of the people with limited government
- limited government
- social contract
classical liberals view on freedom
- egoistical individualism
- self reliance and limit on dependency culture
- negative freedom
- social darwinism- those who do well and adapt will be the most successful
classical liberal view on state
- prized freedom by restricting the power of government
- nightwatchman state
classical liberal view on economy
- government needed to maintain stable trade and uphold currency
- laissez faire capitalism
modern liberals view on freedom
- developmental individualism
- negative freedom is necessary but positive freedom is also needed
modern liberals on state
- enabling state
- individuals may need state intervention to flourish by giving them equality of opportunity as there are inequalities
modern liberals view on economy
- government international may be needed to ensure market economies to deliver sustainable growth
- keynesian economy
liberals shared view
- value freeedom
- decentralisation of government
- protection of civil liberties
- mechanistic theory
- private property is a natural right
- optimistic view on human nature
- capitalism
john locke ideas
- social contract theory
- government should be limited
- people are born with equal rights and must respect each others rights
wollstonecraft ideas
- women are rational and independent
- need formal equality- full civil liberties for the opportunity to pursue a career
- women deserve the same gifts as men
- can be achieved through formal education
- equality of opportunity- can choose between the two lives
- resisted tyranny of male over female in marriages
john stuart mill ideas
- tolerance and harm principles
- limited government
- no business in self regarding actions- only affects himself
- endorsed right to hold a minority view
john rawls ideas
- society must be just and guarantee each citizen a life worth living
- everyone has equal entitlement to basic rights
- social contract
- always degree of inequality but difference should be minimal- minimum standard of living
- veil of ignorance shows how society would be like without biases and current knowledge
- enabling state
friedan ideas
- oppressive views and laws must be rejected
- women are held back from fulfilling their potential by unfair ideas
- conditioning led women to be housewives- reinforced through family and school
- equality of opportunity
- reforms within existing structure of society- choice
