Liberalism

Question 1

To what extent do liberals agree on human nature?

Answer 1

Liberals generally agree that humans are rational and capable of self-improvement, but they differ on the extent of self-interest versus social cooperation.
-Classical Liberals like John Locke and Adam Smith view humans as primarily self-interested but rational, capable of forming a social contract and thriving in free markets.
-Modern Liberals like John Stuart Mill and T.H. Green emphasize the potential for moral and intellectual development, seeing humans as more altruistic and cooperative, requiring state intervention to achieve true freedom.

Question 2

To what extent do liberals agree on the role of the state?

Answer 2

Classical Liberals:
-John Locke: Advocated for a minimal state to protect natural rights and negative freedom (freedom from interference).
Modern Liberals:
-John Stuart Mill: Accepted a minimal state but supported intervention to promote individual development and positive freedom (freedom to achieve potential).

Question 3

To what extent do liberals agree on society?

Answer 3

Classical Liberals:
-John Locke: Society is a voluntary association of rational individuals pursuing self-interest, bound by a social contract.
Modern Liberals:
-John Stuart Mill: Society fosters moral and intellectual growth, supporting individual development.

Question 4

To what extent do liberals agree on the economy?

Answer 4

Classical Liberals:
-Adam Smith: Supported a laissez-faire economy with minimal state intervention, trusting the free market to allocate resources efficiently.
-John Locke: Emphasized the importance of private property and economic freedom.

Modern Liberals:
-John Stuart Mill: Accepted free markets but supported regulation to address inequality.
-John Maynard Keynes: Advocated for state intervention to stabilize markets and reduce unemployment.