Liberalism Flashcards
John Locke on human nature
humans are rational, guided by the persuit of self interest yet they are mindful of others concerns
John Locke on state
The state must be representative, based on the consent of the governed
John Locke on society
Society predates the state: there were natural societies with natural laws and natural rights
John Locke on the economy
State policy should respect the ‘natural right’ to private properly and arbitrate effectively between individual competing for trade ad resources
John Stuart Mill on Human nature
Though we are fundamentally rational , human nature is not fixed: it is forever progressing to a higher level
John Stuart Mill on the state
The state should proceed cautiously towards representative democracy and needs to be mindful of minority votes
John Stuart Mill on Society
Society is at it’s best when individuality co-exists with tolerance and self-improvement
John Rawls on Human Nature
Mankind is selfish yet empathetic, valuing both individual liberty and the plight of those around them
John Rawls on The State
The state should enable less fortunate individuals to advance in public spending
John Rawls on Society
The society most individuals would choose would be the one where the conditions for the poor were improved most
John Rawls on The Economy
Free Market capitalism should be tempered by the state ‘s obligation to advance it’s poorest citizens
Mary Wollstonecraft on Human Nature
If Humans are rational, that means women are as well as men, women’s lack of vote once married is a violation of a ‘governed by consent’ idea
Mary Wollstonecraft on The State
The state should be replaced by a republic that enshrines women’s rights
Mary Wollstonecraft on Society
Society ‘infantalised’ women and this stifled female individualism
Mary Wollstonecraft on The Economy
A free market economy would be energised by the enterprise of liberated women
(would be better with women’s involvement)
Betty Friedan on Human Nature
Human nature has evolved in a way that does not encourage self-advancement among women
Betty Friedan on The State
The state should legislate to prevent continued discrimination against female individuals
Betty Friedan on Society
Society remained oppressive towards women, women were complicit in their repression
Betty Friedan on The Economy
Free Market capitalism could be an ally of female emancipation, if allied with legislation precluding sexual discrimination
John Stuart Mill on the Economy
Laissez-faire capitalism is vital to progress, we need individual enterprise
(classical and modern)
Liberals on Human nature (3)
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- Mankind is rational but can be egotistical and selfish
- Classical Liberals believe humans are self- seeking and self-reliant
- Modern Liberals think humans are social and willing to collectively pursue higher goals
Liberals on The State (2)
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- The State is ‘neccessary’ to avoid disorder but should be limited so it does not interfere with Individual Liberty
- ‘Social contract’ should exist between the consenting governed and the government
Liberals on society (3)
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- Society predates the state and before the state men naturally want to work and live alongside one another (state of nature)
- The default setting of any society was to focus on indivdual freedom
- Society should revolve around tolerance for other individuals
early and modern liberals
Liberals on the economy (3)
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- Liberals believe in private property ownership as this is a ‘natural right’ of humans
- Early liberals believe in no state intervention or only to ensure private property is secure and to protect contracts
- Modern liberals think the state should intervene when there is huge amounts of disparity within groups in society
