LIBERALISM Flashcards
1
Q
how do liberals disagree + agree over the state - 3 point essay plan:
A
disagree:
- disagree on role of the state in the economy
- disagree on how the state protects individualism and freedom
- disagree on the fundamental size and role of the state
- attitude toward state
agree:
- agree on the fundamental presence of the state
- state is a necessary evil
- state can only be formed using the social contract theory
2
Q
beliefs of Wollstonecraft on the state
A
- belief that the state should increase access to education - expansive, enabling state to allow for equality and for women to have access to an institution to undo social barriers
- the state can provide freedom to women through education
- promote a more enabling state to promote broader educational
provisions - the state should be limited by a social contract to protect rights and liberties
3
Q
what do liberal views of the state expose about liberal attitudes to the state
A
- political authority comes from the people, not from above
- the government can only be created by the people and is therefore accountable to the people
- the government and state should only serve the interests of the people
- the individual is more important than society - overarching individualism (the state is only there to maximise freedom and individualism)
- there are no fixed social structures in society - individuals should be able to rise and fall according to their merit
4
Q
beliefs of Locke on human nature (CLASSIC LIBERAL)
A
- human nature is to respect and tolerate the views of other people - do not force people to adopt a specific view
- humans are individualists, meaning they should act as they see fit to secure and pursue their own aims / goals
- humans are rational beings - reason teaches mankind about justice
- people are rational enough to take the best means to secure their own goals
- power is with the people - under the social contract theory, if the people no longer consent to the government’s continued abuse of power, they can make a new one
- humans are self-reliant and self-sufficient
5
Q
beliefs of Rawls on the state
A
- the state should provide institutions which promote liberty and can create a fair and just society
- the state should provide a CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK in society to enhance liberty
- the state should be a neutral arbiter
- using the state for welfare is key to create a free society
- promote political participation
- state has a duty to redistribute wealth to allow for equality of opportunity
- much larger, interventionist state to maximise the opportunities of individuals
- the state is a guarantor of individual liberty, not a threat
- state should introduce fundamental programmes to narrow the inequality gap everyone has the equal capabilities to be a contributing member of society
- enabling state
6
Q
give the 6 primary values all liberals believe in
A
- individualism
- self sovereignty
- making decisions in your own interest
- individuals know what is best for themselves
- individuals should be safeguarded from others - freedom
- society should maximise individual freedom
- individual liberty should not be infringed or violated - state
- the state is a necessary evil to keep order yet could restrict liberty
- believe in a social contract theory - economy
- promotion and protection of private property
- capitalism - rationalism
- liberals base opinion and actions on reason rather than belief
- experience provides knowledge - foundational equality
- people are all equally worthy of respect
7
Q
quotes for rawls
A
- “justice is the virtue of social institutions”
- “what is just and unjust is the way that institutions deal with these facts”
- “each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive liberty compatible with similar liberty for othera”
8
Q
give the 3 secondary values of liberals and explain each
A
- toleration
- a liberal willingness to accept views and actions which you may disagree with
- humans should have the freedom to believe in what they want (individualism) - a liberal fear of power of the state
- idea of a strict social contract theory to maximise individual freedom - formal equality
- people being entitled to legal and political equality
9
Q
beliefs of Locke on the economy
A
- protection of private property to enlarge individual freedom using labour
- someone’s labour belongs to them to create goods which belong to them
- meritocratic economy - wants to reward industriousness and investing in labour - laissez faire, free market economy
- your labour is yours - when you mix your labour with something, it becomes yours
10
Q
beliefs of Friedan on the state
A
- the state should have a more enabling function to support sections of society (like women) who were systematically supressed
- believes in a more active, involved, expansive and enabling state to enforce equality of opportunity through welfare provisions to expand individual freedoms
- state intervention to promote equal rights - positive interpretation of liberty
- society needs support from the state in order to promote a meritocratic society
11
Q
describe the shift in the liberal view of democracy
A
before:
- democracy was an enemy of individual liberty, because democracy groups together individuals as a collection, thereby silencing different opinions and opposing interests, so the wishes of the individual are ignored
- felt that a majority would oppress a minority - tyranny of the majority
- democracy would overthrow any form of a civilised society, because politicians would disenfranchise the illiterate and would not represent those they choose to represent
now:
- social contract theory - democracy is supported, given it allows people to protect themselves from government and elect those who make laws
- promote citizen participation in political life to enhance personal development - debating and discussing makes democracy valuable (much more of an open interpretation to democracy(
12
Q
how do classical and modern liberals differ on the state
*wider discussion on STATE, SOCIETY and the ECONOMY
A
classical liberals:
- the state has potential for evil and tyranny = limited / minimal gov intervention to prevent individual rights from being abused
- idea of a NIGHTWATCHMAN state - defend borders, ensure law and order and uphold contracts
- fear of the state
- EGOISTICAL INDIVIDUALISM + NEGATIVE FREEDOM = small state to enable
- individuals should have the sovereignty to manage themselves - link to HARM PRINCIPLE
- more evil than necessary
- feel that the state erodes individual liberty
- emphasis on the fact that taxation creates a dependency culture which erodes the concept of a meritocracy and is a burden on working class individuals
modern liberals:
- concept of DEVELOPMENTAL INDIVIDUALISM and an EXPANSIVE WELFARE STATE
- the state should help people to be healthy to enhance productivity
- the state is a body to enable individuals to flourish and have a free life - promote positive freedom + strong social institutions
- state has a responsibility to help the disadvantaged achieve equality of opportunity - DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE
- more necessary than evil - duty to protect citizens
- links to equality of opportunity = basic welfare infrastructure to protect
- maximise individual potential through providing basic welfare support - mixed economy
- the state has a duty to provide (through basic welfare) to protect / enshrine freedom
- ENABLING STATE
13
Q
what are the minimal functions of the state
A
- maintain public order - which maximises individual rights and freedoms
- defend the country
- enforce contracts
14
Q
how do classical and modern liberals differ on freedom
*wider discussion on SOCIETY, HUMAN NATURE and the ECONOMY
A
classical liberals:
- promote NEGATIVE FREEDOM and support the freedom from interference - NO ASSISTANCE
- unrestricted freedom - support freedom being maximised and not compromised
- view those who restrict their freedom as those who burden their rights - feel that any government compromises their freedom = limited government
- individual must have the freedom to pursue their own view
- reinforces the harm principle
modern liberals:
- promote POSITIVE FREEDOM AND NEGATIVE FREEDOM
- promote individual flourishing
- support ideas of helping people to help themselves / be free - assistance needed to maximise freedom
- propose a much more developed notion of freedom, such as a welfare state because they believe this enhances freedom
- dealing with restrictions on freedom can help to enhance freedom - help people help themselves
- idea of distributive justice
- freedom is defined as the ability to achieve individuality and individualism - attain skills etc
15
Q
beliefs of Friedan on society
A
- emphasis on foundational and formal equality
- promotes developmental individualism and positive freedom to help people pursue their own aims
- women are insufficiently free in society
- society should advocate for equality of opportunity to allow women to thrive in society and allow women to feel fulfilled (FEMININE MYSTIQUE - social view of female fulfillment)
- society has a paternalistic culture which should be eroded for women not have their lives dictated for them
- society imposes a ‘problem without a name’ on women and imposes a double burden on them
- society should assist developmental individualism through positive freedom and providing equal opportunities for women to excel beyond the domestic sphere
- society’s ability to entrench expectations on females which do not satisfy them convince women away from using their own rationality
- supports legal equality for women which should be furthered into equality of opportunity (MIRRORS RAWLS)
- social norms stifle free choice liberty and individualism
16
Q
beliefs of Mill on society
A
- belief that individuality can create a healthy society (freedom and individualism are at the heart of society)
- the HARM PRINCIPLE
- believes that society should be divided based on knowledge, with those who have more knowledge having more votes - those with more political wisdom should have more votes to prevent the amplification of narrow interests and representation of all
- individuality will eradicate any potential for social tyranny which leads to the conformity of ideas
- fear of the tyranny of the majority - therefore important that all ideas are amplified (including minority opinions)
- pluralism and tolerance will create a vibrant society and enhance individual freedoms - no oppression - freedom of speech / expression
- society should orientate around negative liberty
- society is naturally a collection of individuals who pursue their own good
- all individuals in society are equally valuable
- tolerance = enrich society
- utilitarianism - idea that you should do what brings the greatest good for the greatest number of people
- society is a collectivist body and is built around interdependence - it is a social duty to help those around you -
- society is a network / web - if someone is at risk of harming someone else they must control themselves to prevent corruption - minimise harm to the maximum number of people
17
Q
liberal views on the role of the state in the economy
A
- supportive of capitalism because it enhances individual liberty / individualism and promotes competition and efficiency
- support the creation of a meritocracy — individual, rational economic choices and dictate their own path
- individuals should use their labour to create goods and property which belong to them, given that liberals believe that ownership is fundamental to human existence
- minimal gov intervention encourages rational economic decisions
- liberals believe in the supreme importance of FREE CHOICE
- inequality will incentivise individuals to work harder
- purely to secure property and enforce contracts
- private property
18
Q
quotes for freidan
A
- “the problem with no name”
- “she was afraid to ask even of herself the silence question… is this all”
- “dissatisfaction… a yearning that women suffered”
- “preventing them from achieving the maturity of which they are capable”
- “denies women’s adult human identity”
- “the only way for a woman…to find herslef, is by creative work of her own”
- “the key to the trap is education”
19
Q
beliefs of Wollstonecraft on society
A
- equality of opportunity to pursue what you want and foundational equality
- society should aid the emancipation of women
- society should be based on equality, and opportunity
- society must rid women of the web of false expectations which make society less cohesive
- society should provide women with the opportunity to defend their basic rights
- society should promote this individuality of women, to distance themselves from entrenched social expectations
- society has created a level of blind obedience
- idea of LIBERAL FEMINISM
20
Q
define distributive justice
A
- Resources should be fairly allocated among members of a community to ensure equality of opportunity
21
Q
how do liberals disagree + agree over equality - 3 point essay plan:
A
agree:
- support foundational equality - idea that all humans are of equal moral worth
- support formal equality - idea of having access to legal and political rights
- support the idea of having equality of opportunity in society - not how it is practiced
disagree:
- disagree on the extent of equality of opportunity in society - ie gov involvement v minimal
- Disagree on how society should be organised to accommodate maximum individual freedom
22
Q
how do classical and modern liberals differ on the economy
*wider discussion on SOCIETY, STATE and the ECONOMY
A
classical liberals:
- free market and laissez faire capitalist structure
- government should not interfere in the economy because it will upset the balance of the market
- promote a self regulating market
- ALLOCATIVE EFFICIENCY
- markets are all inter-related - humans are rational enough to make free, economic devisions
- lack of government intervention = efficiency / prosperity
- market is flexible, it can adequately respond to these demands and changes
- the market should operate according to the decisions of free individuals, not the government
- unrestrained making of profit will later benefit society as a whole
- the market is operating according to an ‘invisible hand’ which promotes harmony despite different social interests
modern liberals:
- government intervention in the market
- KEYNESIAN ECONOMIC ideas
- higher taxation and economic policies - allow for the re-distribution of wealth and employment
- focus on mitigating inequality and stabilising the economy
- feel that a self-regulating market lacks stability
- government intervention can enhance productivity
- gov intervention leads to employment
- DEVELOPMENTAL INDIVIDUALISM AND POSITIVE FREEDOM - supported, economically, to achieve their potential
- interventionist policies can guarantee individual prosperity
23
Q
give the 3 tertiary values of liberals and explain each
A
- liberal democracy and a limited government
- concerns that the state has excessive power which infringes on individual freedoms and promotes a tyranny
- a liberal democracy ensures a government is in place which promotes toleration
- a limited government supports the liberal fear of power - equality of opportunity
- equality in having equal opportunities for equal outcome
- maximising potential - role of the state in the economy
- the state promoting ideas of a meritocracy and capitalism
- emphasis on contract and property rights
- freedom to make individual economic choices (individualism)
- liberals are rational enough to make economic decisions
24
Q
liberal views on rationalism
A
- humans are guided by reason and can make interests which best suit them - idea of individualism
- individuals are rational enough to bring individual self-development and wider change which allows reason to be used to bring change instead of violence
- reason and rationalism is a source of authority and legitimacy and stipulates that every rational individual is the best judge of their own interests and should be free to exercise this rationalism
- believe that freedom allows rational economic choices to be made because progress can be made through rational thought
- belief that all humans have reason and logic and should have the freedom to exercise this
25
beliefs of Wollstonecraft on human nature
- individuals are rational enough to be treated as equals - women too have the intellect and rationale to make independent decisions
- humans crave self autonomy and freedom
- humans are all of equal moral worth - foundational equality, and so fundamental rights should extend to both genders
- reason rules in human decisions
- the worth of women stems from self-command and knowledge, not appearance
- liberals believe women are not secondary in nature to men and should have power over themselves
- women have natural intellectual capabilities which would contribute to a vibrant society
- individuals have a desire to command themselves and command their knowledge
26
how do liberals disagree and agree over human nature - 3 point essay plan:
agree:
- humans are rational beings
- humans are capable of doing and deciding what is in their best interest
- all humans are of equal moral worth under foundational equality
disagree:
- disagree on the nature of rationalism (look at flashcard)
- disagree on how humans would best flourish in society
- disagree on equality of opportunity enhancing human nature
27
what do liberals believe if the state does and does not protect their rights
protects their rights = they should respect the government and obey the laws they impose
not protect their rights - right of rebellion to erode potential tyranny and no obligation to obey and respect the law
28
what paragraphs to write about if talking about how modern and classical liberals disagree over SOCIETY
- freedom
- individualism
- equality
- perceptions of a democracy
- the state
- role of the state in the economy
29
beliefs of Locke on the state
- a justification for the government is a protection of rights which should enlarge freedom
- the state can limit individual choice and personal autonomy
- the law exists to restrain individuals from compromising individual freedom of each other, and guarantee freedom for each individual
- idea of the social contract - the only justification of the state is to preserve freedom and individual rights to protect them from being violated - must have the consent of the electorate to enter into a contract in which you promise to act on their behalf - legitimate
- limited government - the government should only stay within its boundaries of its role (enforce contracts, protect property / borders and promote order)
- condemns the centralisation of power because it doesn't align with the public good -- prevents being dictatorial
- illegitimate and non-representative governments which lack consent should be overthrown by the people as it fails to protect individual rights, and does not ensure people's freedom
- people should sacrafice some of their rights and subscribe to a government to further enhance and protect individual rights
- right of rebellion - people have a right to rebel against the government if they fail to fulfil individual interests
- the state / government is key to providing order to a 'state of nature'
- the government should not intervene with individual views
-freedom can only exist under the law
30
what are Keynesian economics?
- the idea that government interference can stimulate the economy to achieve employability and stability
31
3 point essay plan on how liberals agree and disagree over democracy
agree:
- protective democracy - protecting individual rights and individualism
- support democracy on the basis that it helps individuals develop
- support democracy in that it promotes a system of pluralism and gives a voice to all political groups
disagree:
- democracy is an enemy of individual liberty by silencing the minority
- tyranny of the majority
- fear that democracy can lead to dictatorships -- undermine civilised societies because dictators will appeal to the masses
32
how do liberals agree and disagree over freedom - 2 point essay plan:
- disagree on how society should be accommodated to maximise freedom
- disagree on defining freedom
agree:
- freedom is a supreme political value
- freedom is linked to individualism, and only when people are free can they pursue their own route
- freedom and individuality are linked to human rationality
33
what does liberal democracy include and explain each
1. toleration
- foundational equality means that each individual is entitled to the same right of free speech, and that this must be tolerated to ensure pluralistic views
- toleration is a guarantee of personal freedom / autonomy
- toleration and a diversity of views also guarantees the health of society and will further social progress
2. constraints of the government
3. a liberal fear of power
34
define allocative efficiency
when there is an optimal distribution of goods and services
35
liberal views on individualism
- society is a group of rational individuals who are responsible for making their own decisions and decide what is morally suitable for them
- the individual is above the group / society
- society should be oriented around the rational individual
- primacy, emphasis and supreme importance of the individual
- society is a group of atomistic individuals who only aim to fulfil their own objectives and society must benefit the individual - less collectivist
- high levels of emphasis on moral priority to individual rights + self interest (egoistical individualism)
- the individual must be protected
- commitment to the individual and their rational behaviour
36
define negative and positive freedom
NEGATIVE: the idea that humans should be left alone and free of constraints to fully develop their potential - absensce of constraints on an individual to allow freedom
POSITIVE: freedom is about personal self fulfilment and realising the extent of your capacities - potentially with the help of the government
37
how do liberals agree and disagree over society - 3 point essay plan:
agree:
- society should promote individualism + freedom
- society should enhance equality
- democracy can help to create a free society
disagree:
- disagree over individualism and freedom
- disagree over equality of opportunity
- disagree over the benefits of democracy
38
beliefs of Locke on society
- idea of 'natural rights' which apply to all people
- society > government - balance of power so that governments have an obligation to society
- society should submit some of their liberty to form a government to further protect freedom
- all people have the right to "life, liberty and property"
- society has a duty not to deprive others of their liberty and rights - individuals should be safeguarded against one another
- the purpose of the law is to preserve and enlarge freedoms
- supports a society which places emphasis on foundational equality, with all people being born of the same rank and value
- society and the economy are central
39
quotes for wollstonecraft
- "i do not wish them to have power over men; but over themselves"
- "obtain a character as a human being, regardless of the distinction of sex"
- "females rather as women than human creatures"
- "strengthen the female mind by enlarging it"
- "be not prepared by education... she will stop the progress of knowledge and virtue"
"let women share the rights, and she will emulate the virtues of man"
40
what paragraphs to write about if talking about how modern and classical liberals disagree over HUMAN NATURE
- freedom
- individualism
- rationalism
- equality
41
what paragraphs to write about if talking about how modern and classical liberals disagree over the ECONOMY
- individualism
- freedom
- the state
- role of the state in the economy
- equality
42
how do liberals disagree + agree over the economy - 3 point essay plan:
agree:
- support / protect private property
- importance of market capitalism
- economy should enhance freedom, not erode it
disagree:
- disagree on the involvement of the state in the economy
- disagree on the role of welfare in the economy + individual freedom
43
liberal views on the state
- belief in minimal state intervention because power should be in the hands of private individuals
- state is a 'necessary evil' and a danger
- 'necessary' to regulate relationships and safeguard individuals from each other because individuals can infringe on one another's individual liberty, but 'evil' because it can erode individual rights and is a potential tyranny - HARM PRINCIPLE
- neutral arbiter to defend, enforce and protect contracts created by popular consent to protect individual rights
- liberals want a society of order which the state can provide whilst maximising freedom, however, the state undermines individual liberty / restrains freedom
- liberals promote a social contract theory by Locke
- MECHANISTIC THEORY OF THE STATE* - the state must only act in the best interests of those being governed
- belief in limited government and that the government must not act beyond its minimal functions - risk freedom
44
beliefs of Rawls on human nature
- promotes liberal individualism and the ability to pursue your own needs
- rational individuals in the 'original position' will attempt to create a just society, which creates a 'veil of ignorance' - idea that equality of opportunity should stem to all people
- promotes the DIFFERENCE PRINCIPLE, that people are ignorant about their status, and so will try and help the least well off, because every person is threatened that they will be in a less fortunate position - people will actively attempt to minimize the gap between individuals
- humans are naturally committed to their individual liberty
- liberty for all people is more important than the prosperity of society - nothing is worth the loss of liberty
- rational humans naturally place themselves first, as long as those behind them do not have to experience too many differences, which links back to the 'difference principle' in which people can find themselves in this position
- rawls does not support the idea of utilitarianism, because it doesn't take into account their own lives to lead
- emphasis on positive freedom and liberty - developmental individualism to further your opportunities
- modern liberals are not solely focused on themselves - collectivist approach to society
45
46
what paragraphs to write about if talking about how modern and classical liberals disagree over the STATE
- views on the state
- role of the state in the economy
47
quotes for Mill
- "every one of the governed should have a voice in the government"
- "over himself, his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign"
- "the despotism of custom is everywhere in the standing hindrance to human advancement"
- "no more justified in silencing that one person"
48
beliefs of Mill on the state
- Mill defended the role of the government using the harm principle - the state prevents people harming one another and eroding individual freedom
- believed in a representative democracies
- the government must prioritise the common good
- the state should promote a level of participation in citizens / active traits of citizens
- the government should promote the common good of society
- the only purpose for the state exercising power over society is to prevent harm to others
- the state cannot tell what the individual todo, because the individual is sovereign
- the state is key in maintaining order - (promote order from above)
- promote limited government to maximise individual liberty
- rebellion against an unrepresentative government is justified - doesn't promote the common good
- the state is a restriction on freedom - especially if there is unchecked power of a state
49
what are the two ways it is suggested to stimulate economies for modern liberals
1. cutting taxes
2. increasing public spending
50
quotes for Locke
- "without... depending upon the will of any other man"
- "revolt is the right of the people"
- "is to be left unto himself"
- "where there is no law, there is no freedom"
- "life, liberty and property"
51
describe the social contract theory
- society and individuals must surrender their liberty in favour of a government which can protect individual rights
- a government is only legitimate with the explicit consent of those being governed
- the relationship between state and citizen is limited to 'life, liberty and property' - the state must only act to protect natural rights
52
beliefs of Rawls on society
- believed in a just and fair society, one which promotes equality of opportunity
- emphasis on social justice
- society should operate on the social contract theory - society should concede some of its rights toward a government in order to protect their freedoms
- society must operate on the basis of foundational equality - with all individuals having access to basic rights and liberties
- idea of JUSTICE AS FAIRNESS to promote equal, basic rights and so the interests of the most disadvantaged in society can be furthered
- promotes the ORIGINAL POSITION - allows a society to be created in which citizens are free and equal - people are told how to create a just society and behind a 'veil of ignorance' people will decide how a society which promotes social justice can be made
- belief that those who work to benefit society should earn more - have more of a duty toward the state and society as a whole
- in society, each person is entitled to equal rights to the most extensive liberty
- society should be organised to provide the greatest benefit to the disadvantaged, yet allow positions to be open to all - equality of opportunity
- citizens in society are all equal
- there are two fundamental cases to rawls, one being the idea of good interest and the other being the idea of justice interest (good interest including things such as freedom of association and justice interest being things like freedom of political speech) - WITHOUT THESE GODO AND JUSTICE INTERESTS, PEOPLE CANNOT LIVE IN STABLE POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS
- absolute equality in terms of starting points can never be achieved
- there is a natural meritocracy in society
53
how do classical and modern liberals differ in their thoughts on rationalism
*wider discussion on HUMAN NATURE
classical liberals:
- human nature is based on rationality - the idea that individuals are rational enough to make self-seeking and suitable decisions for themselves
- humans are rational enough to be independent of the state because they can act with reason to benefit themselves because they know themselves best
- humans (rationally) naturally want to serve their own interests, and are rational enough todo so
- the only good is individual good
- EGOISTICAL RATIONALISM
modern liberals:
- more optimistic view of human nature and rationality - humans work in the rational ways they do in turn to help benefit the people around them
- emphasis on how the individual impacts the community
- the rationale is that humans expect something in return for their actions - idea of self fulfilment
- modern liberal rationality is that individual good is linked to community good - more altruistic approach
- society focused on rationalism with a degree of altruism - interest in wider society
- ALTRUISTIC RATIONALISM
54
beliefs of Rawls on the economy
- promotes egalitarianism - all people are economically equal and deserve equal rights
- capitalism alone cannot ensure fairness
- requirement of a capitalist economy which must be supported by strong social institutions, including health, welfare etc which can promote the extensive liberty of individuals and fairness - mutual benefit which can reduce difference in outcome -- people consistently have access to equality of opportunity
- distributive justice - all people should have the equal opportunities to pursue a better life and close the inequality gap
- wealth inequality should help to incentivise other people, but should raise the prosperity of the less well off in society
- rawls places the need for more state intervention and enabling state above that of an economy which is unregulated (opposing CLs)
- keynesian economy with the assitance of a welfare state - much larger role of the state in the economy
- different interpretations of welfare show how there are disparities between liberals on freedom and individualism
55
how do classical and modern liberals differ on individualism
*wider discussion on SOCIETY, HUMAN NATURE and the ECONOMY
classical liberals:
- idea that a small and non-interventionist state should be preserved in order to maximise individual potential and develop self-sovereignty
- less collectivist notion of individualism
- more atomistic view of individualism - it enshrines people making their own decisions / serve own interests, with limited interference
- much more traction toward the idea of EGOISTICAL INDIVIDUALISM
- more self-oriented approach to society - self-sufficiency, self-reliance
- humans only want to serve their own interests
- promote ATOMISM
modern liberals:
- prefer a much more COLLECTIVIST approach to individualism
- promote DEVELOPMENTAL INDIVIDUALISM - they believe that human development should be prioritised
- belief that the good of the individual allows for social progress and the good of the whole - prefer individual rights being emphasised because it can help society as a whole
- much more conscious of society and is therefore less independent
- emphasis on the concept of social responsibility - responsibility to recognise and develop your potential to help those around you - genuine ecosystem
- self-interest is maligned by social responsibility
56
beliefs of Mill on human nature
- individuals should be free to pursue their own notion of a good life - humans are rational enough to pursue their individualism
- emphasis on individualism so promote human flourishing + pursue your own life trajectory
- however, humans should have some liberties restricted, given their abilities to harm one another - safeguard - again, overarching importance of freedom
- humans need freedom of expression and knowledge to advance their own ideas and challenge them against others to create healthy debates and promote innovation - tolerance + understanding
- humans have and crave higher and lower pleasures
- humans cannot be happy without higher pleasures, as they know the limitations of the world - allows humans to be less content because they understand the limitations of the world
- individuals naturally want to take control of their own lives and achieve self-realization
- individual health above social health
- individuality of human nature allows social progress to be accelerated - no conformity
57
how do classical and modern liberals differ on equality (foundational, formal and equality of opportunity)
*wider discussion on SOCIETY, HUMAN NATURE and the ECONOMY
classical liberals:
- your own actions allow you to rise and fall in society — idea of EGOISTICAL INDIVIDUALISM
- believe that a minimal state and the economy provide adequate equality
- supporters of a meritocracy - those with ability and willingness are ultimately more successful
- support concepts of natural selection and social darwinism - we are all given equal opportunity, it is how you pursue this
- believe that inequalities of wealth, social position and power are a consequence of individual actions
- you are born into a society of equality of opportunity - class structure
modern liberals:
- focus on DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE - resources should be equally allocated to allow for equal opportunities
- believe that because only a minority can rise and fall in society, opportunities for equality of growth must extend
- break the link between poverty and laziness - government sponsored programmes can break this link
- promote the DIFFERENCE PRINCIPLE and VEIL OF IGNORANCE - will allow for a just society and one of equality - this incentivises individuals to work together to achieve
- rawls encouraged people to imagine their ideal society
- a meritocracy can only exist if all people are given equal opportunities
58
liberal views on equality
FOUNDATIONAL:
- everyone is born equal, and should therefore have access to formal equality (ie legal and political rights)
- each individual is of equal moral worth and cannot be graded in terms of importance or significance - contributing to the idea that there are no fixed social structures
- because of foundational equality, comes the idea of tolerance - we should respect and tolerate one another's views because we are of equal moral worth
- all individuals have inalienable rights - pursuit of freedom
FORMAL:
- disapprove of social privilege, but believe that individuals should enjoy the same formal status in society
- belief in equality before the law, which ensures there is no hierarchy, but also a society of order imposed by the state
- belief in political equality which includes the freedom of expression and freedom to affiliate yourself with a political party
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY:
- all individuals should have the same opportunities to rise and fall in society
- feel that a meritocracy is suitable to incentivise people to realise their potential and motivate them to work harder due to inequalities of wealth
- equal opportunity to develop unequal abilities / talents
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liberal views on freedom
- commitment to individual freedom and it should be maximised
- freedom is the supreme political right to pursue self interest + choice
- freedom of speech, thought and religion, leading to a tolerant society
- also economic freedom of private property + freedom to make individual economic decisions
- freedom gives individuals opportunity to take control of their lives and gain self-autonomy/realisation
- freedom allows individuals to dictate their own needs - individuality
- emphasis on higher pleasures and the freedom to develop your feelings - developmental individualism
- society should be based around individual freedom so people can flourish
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beliefs of Friedan on human nature
- idea that women are rational, and should therefore be able to live the life of their own choosing and have personal autonomy to directly influence their life conditions - women are rational enough so decisions do not have to be made for them
- concept of developmental individualism - humans are constantly striving to develop and grow in society
- women are as rational and as capable as men
- all humans crave freedom and individualism
- freidan believes in developmental individualism and humans striving to become the best versions of themselves
- the ability to have choice enables freedoms to achieve fulfillment
- individuals are naturally drawn to serving their own interests
