Liberalism Flashcards
Individualism
Needs and rihhts of person more important than that of a group.
What to do politics seek to do in terms of individualism
Maximise individuals achieving self-determination.
Self- realisation( true selves and potential).
Self-fulfilment ( personal mission achieved).
State of nature
What life was like before laws, formal rules and governments existed.
Rejection of traditional state
Power concentrated in hands of individual and where that power is excercise randomly.
Disliked any government that had ‘divine right’ to govern according to irrational perception of gods will.
Government by consent
State is legitimate only if those under its jurisdiction (power to make legal decisions) have volunteered to be.
( government ust have consent of the governed.
People have ultimate control over government.
Natural rights/ individualism
Only rational reason to submit to state is if if promoted and respected natural rights, ensuring they’re more excercise than in SON.
Egotistical individualism
Classical- egotistical.
People naturally follow own interest and happiness with limited government interference.
-e.g Locke ppl pursue self-interest by rational thinking, benefits all in society.
-rationalism- one’s interest don’t harm others/conflict but lead to agreement.
Individuals thrive where property rights, ltd government intervention.
Developmental individualism
Each should have chance to develop talents + abilities to fullest.
Provide individuals with resources + opportunity necessary to pursue ambitions and goals.
From simply protect rights to create conditions that allow members to realise their potential.
Personal growth + societal progress are interdependent.
Liberal democracy
Concerned about ‘tyranny’ by fulfilling will of majority. Reflects individualism.
Balances will of people through elections (say in how governed + vote out givement that don’t serve interest), limited state and respect for civil liberties.
State limited-needs consent of people.
Equality for classical liberals
Formal equality -treat all equally under the law. Laws applied to all individuals.
Mary- FE under law+ equal rights for women.
Version of social justice was remove state interference, allow ppl t realise full potential were success determined by hard work.
Equality of opportunity
Similar opportunities to develop potential
Modern liberalism equality of opportunity
Actively create conditions where all have genuine opportunity to achieve potential. Real equality- remove legal barriers.
Support CL FE but society isn’t meritocracy + state action needed to promote EOO.
E.G Friedan in feminine mystique challenged societal norms that limited women’s rights.
State
Tolerance.
Gov by consent, social contract.(Ltd)
Individualism in SON could have been stopped by disputes between competing individuals.
State required to arbitrate( reach an authoritative judgement) between competing individuals.
Society
If rights affected, society isn’t functioning.
Natural rights- property, life, happiness.
Individualism and individual freedom are key.
All are egotistical, fulfill potential +desire to be independent.
Therefore seek freedom from dependency on others + live life with max fulfilment.
Without a state Locke said it would be a ‘natural society’ with ‘natural laws’ ‘natural rights.’
JSM emphasised in mid 19th-century main purpose of civilised society is facilitate individual freedom.
Human nature
Rational- decisions based on reason. Debate, discuss, question situations faced.
Optimistic- capacity for progress + greater happiness.
Make own path as life is not predetermined, ppl make own destiny.
