liberalism

Question 1

define mechanistic theory

Answer 1

linked to Locke who argues that mankind is rational and therefore capable of devising a state suitable for our needs

Question 2

define equality of opportunity

Answer 2

individual should be allowed similar opportunities to develop their full potential

Question 3

define egotistical individualism

Answer 3

humana’s re selfish and try to pursue their own happiness

Question 4

define limited government

Answer 4

government being restricted by how they can act

Question 5

define economic liberalism

Answer 5

capitalism which leads to private property, individual behaviour and having ultimate benefit to all

Question 6

define laissez faire capitalism

Answer 6

economic system that allows for private enterprise with little to no state interference

Question 7

define negative liberty

Answer 7

individuals left alone with no interference from the state

Question 8

define social contract

Answer 8

state should be a deal between government and governed

Question 9

define minimal state

Answer 9

minimising state activities like taxing infrequently, which links to negative liberty

Question 10

define tolerance or harm principle

Answer 10

views and actions should be tolerated as long as they do not harm the freedom of others

Question 11

define developmental individualism

Answer 11

focus on what individuals can become

Question 12

define foundation or legal equality

Answer 12

every individual is born equal

Question 13

define positive freedom

Answer 13

state give freedom to do something in order to be fully free

Question 14

define enabling state

Answer 14

state that liberates individuals from restrictive social and economic problems

Question 15

define social liberalism

Answer 15

involves legislation that may criminalise actions that discriminate against individuals

Question 16

define individualism and features of it

Answer 16

primacy of the individual in society over any group
- developmental vs egoistical individualism
- tolerance or harm principle

Question 17

define freedom and features of it

Answer 17

ability and right to make your own decision
- positive vs negative freedom

Question 18

liberal view on the state being a necessary evil

Answer 18

• minimal state
• enabling state
• support constitutionalism so power is distributed
• leads to laissez faire capitalism

Question 19

define rationalism and features of it

Answer 19

belief that humans are rational and capable of reason and logic
- fosters a progressive society
- mechanistic theory

Question 20

define equality/social justice and features of it

Answer 20

individuals are of equal value and should all be treated the same
- foundation or legal equality
- equality of opportunity
- promotes meritocracy

Question 21

define liberal democracy and features of it

Answer 21

a democracy that balances will of the people with limited government
- limited government
- social contract

Question 22

classical liberals view on freedom

Answer 22

• egoistical individualism
• self reliance and limit on dependency culture
• negative freedom
• social darwinism- those who do well and adapt will be the most successful

Question 23

classical liberal view on state

Answer 23

• prized freedom by restricting the power of government
• nightwatchman state

Question 24

classical liberal view on economy

Answer 24

• government needed to maintain stable trade and uphold currency
• laissez faire capitalism

Question 25

modern liberals view on freedom

Answer 25

• developmental individualism
• negative freedom is necessary but positive freedom is also needed

Question 26

modern liberals on state

Answer 26

• enabling state
• individuals may need state intervention to flourish by giving them equality of opportunity as there are inequalities

Question 27

modern liberals view on economy

Answer 27

• government international may be needed to ensure market economies to deliver sustainable growth
• keynesian economy

Question 28

liberals shared view

Answer 28

• value freeedom
• decentralisation of government
• protection of civil liberties
• mechanistic theory
• private property is a natural right
• optimistic view on human nature
• capitalism

Question 29

john locke ideas

Answer 29

• social contract theory
• government should be limited
• people are born with equal rights and must respect each others rights

Question 30

wollstonecraft ideas

Answer 30

• 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

Question 31

john stuart mill ideas

Answer 31

• tolerance and harm principles
• limited government
• no business in self regarding actions- only affects himself
• endorsed right to hold a minority view

Question 32

john rawls ideas

Answer 32

• 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

Question 33

friedan ideas

Answer 33

• 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