Liberalism. Flashcards
Who was considered the ‘Father of Liberalism?
John Locke (1932-1704)
What is a collectivist society?
limits on individual freedoms are accepted in order to pursue the ‘common good’
- Eg contributing to the NHS.
What is an Individualist society?
Individuals should be left as free as possible to peruse their own self interest.
-Eg supporting privacy online
What is Rationalism?
The principle that opinions and actions should be based on knowledge and reason rather than religion or emotion.
What is reason?
The power to think and form judgements logically.
Before the Enlightenments what knowledge did people believe humans were born with?
‘Innate knowledge’ given possibly by god.
Who thought of the ‘blank slate’ theory?
John Locke.
What is the ‘blank slate’ theory?
Everyone is born ‘blank’ and our knowledge and behavior is based on our experiences. Tabula rasa.
Why did Locke support education?
He believed that humans are ‘nine parts of ten’ shaped by ‘their education’
What view do liberals take on human nature?
Optimistic.
If all people are born capable of reason what should they be able to do?
Humans should be equally free to exercise this reason and make decisions.
What do liberals believe about human value?
All humans have equally value and possess equal rights.
What are natural rights?
Pre date a system of government and are entitled to all people from birth simply by being human.
What is foundational equality?
While humans have different biological characteristics (races, genders, religions) we share a common humanity, deserving of equal respect, dignity and natural rights natural rights
What are legal rights?
Rights bestowed/allocated (like by the government) to certain people/groups.
What is formal equality?
All people should have the same legal and political rights and status in society and should be treated equally by the law.
What is an example of codified formal equality?
US declaration of independence 1776. ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal’
What to liberals believe about tolerance.
Rational human beings are capable of tolerance (and especially religious tolerance) as it is important - ADD MORE.
What did Locke believe about the state and the church.
They should be separate.
What did liberals believe about government?
It should be limited and based on consent.
Historically what did people the about the monarchy?
Kings had a ‘divine, god given right to rule’ as kings were descended from the first man Adam - (advocated by Robert Filmer.)
Why did Locke dismiss the divine right of kings.
As we are all born equal, legitimate authority could only be established with the consent of the people.
What does Locke think the benefits of government are?
- Established law.
- Indifferent judge (determining differences)
- Power supports legal sentences when right.
What is the social contrast?
A real/hypothetical agreement between the people and their rulers, surrendering certain freedoms for protection of remaining rights.
