Liberalism

Question 1

1. Explain and analyse three features of a liberal state.

Answer 1

1. Limited Government - John Locke (Classical Liberalism) - “night-watchman state,” - power is constrained by a constitution. - Prevents tyranny - protects individual liberty - government power is checked (e.g., U.S. Constitution, UK’s uncodified system).
2. Government by Consent - John Locke (Classical Liberalism) - Locke’s social contract theory—government derives legitimacy from the people, not divine right - influenced the U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776) - Ensures democracy - people remove governments that fail to protect their rights.

3.Protection of Individual Rights - John Rawls (Modern Liberalism) - state to ensure equal rights and opportunities, advocating the difference principle to support the least advantaged - Encourages fairness but may justify higher taxation.

Question 2

2. Explain and analyse three ways that liberals support a capitalist economy.

Answer 2

1. Free Market and Private Property - John Locke (Classical Liberalism) - property rights are natural rights, and Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations (1776) promoted free-market capitalism - Economic freedom enhances individual autonomy, and promotes prosperity (e.g., capitalism driving industrial growth).
2. Laissez-Faire Economics - Adam Smith (Classical Liberalism) - “invisible hand” theory -markets regulate themselves without government intervention. - Minimal state interference maximizes efficiency, competition, and individual choice (e.g., Thatcherite deregulation in the UK).

3.Enabling State to Ensure Equal Opportunity - John Rawls (Modern Liberalism) - Rawls’ Theory of Justice (1971) supports state intervention to correct inequalities through welfare and education. - A regulated free market with social support ensures fairer outcomes without restricting individual liberty (e.g., post-war welfare states).

Question 3

3. Explain and analyse three ways in which liberal ideas limit individual freedom.

Answer 3

1. Harm Principle and Legal Constraints - John Stuart Mill (Classical/Modern Liberalism)- harm principle states that individuals can act freely unless they harm others (e.g., laws against violent crime). - Prevents harm while maintaining personal autonomy, but subjective definitions of harm can limit freedom (e.g., censorship debates).
2. Tax 4 welfare. - John Rawls (Modern Liberalism) - Rawls argued that some freedoms (e.g., wealth accumulation) should be restricted to ensure fairer life chances. - Taxes and welfare states may infringe on property rights but enhance overall liberty by reducing poverty.
3. Restrictions on Power Through Constitutionalism - John Locke (Classical Liberalism) - constitutional limits on government to prevent tyranny - Protects liberty but can slow decision-making in crises.

Question 4

4. Explain and analyse three ways in which liberal thinkers have viewed the role of the state.

Answer 4

1. Night-Watchman State - Locke (Classical Liberalism) - a minimal state focused on law, order, and property rights protection. - Prevents state overreach, but lacks provisions for social justice (e.g., laissez-faire capitalism leading to inequality).
2. Neutral Arbiter for Economic and Social Rights - John Stuart Mill (Bridging Classical & Modern Liberalism) - some state intervention (e.g., universal education) while defending individual liberty. - The state should enable, not control, economic and social development.
3. Enabling State to Ensure Social Justice - John Rawls (Modern Liberalism) - difference principle justifies state intervention to reduce economic inequality. - A welfare state balances personal freedom and equality but can raise concerns about dependency.

Question 5

5. Explain and analyse three ways in which liberal thinkers have viewed human nature.

Answer 5

1. Rational and Self-Interested - John Locke (Classical Liberalism) - individuals are rational and capable of self-improvement, justifying limited government and individual rights. - Rational self-interest ensures a stable society, but unchecked freedom can lead to economic and social inequality.
2. Developmental and Socially Responsible - John Stuart Mill (Bridging Classical & Modern Liberalism) - Mill argued for individual self-improvement, suggesting that freedom should be used to cultivate intellect and moral character. - justifies education and limited state intervention, but raises concerns about who defines “improvement.”
3. Unstable by Social and Economic Inequality - John Rawls (Modern Liberalism) - economic disparity distorts human nature, making state intervention necessary to provide fair opportunities. - state action as essential for fairness, diverging from classical liberal individualism.

Question 6

6. Explain and analyse three ways in which liberal thinkers define freedom.

Answer 6

1. Absence of state intervention - John Stuart Mill (Classical Liberalism) - negative freedom, meaning individuals should be free from state interference unless they harm others. - Maximizes liberty but can justify inequality.
2. Positive Freedom: State Enables Self-Realisation - John Rawls (Modern Liberalism) - Rawls argued that true freedom requires equal opportunities, which may need state intervention like public education. - Creates fairness but may lead to excessive state power.
3. Social Contract: Freedom Through Government by Consent - John Locke (Classical Liberalism) - people to give up some freedoms in exchange for government protection, forming a social contract. -Ensures stability but limits absolute autonomy.

Question 7

7. Explain and analyse three ways that liberal thinkers have viewed state intervention.

Answer 7

1. Minimal State to Protect Rights - John Locke (Classical Liberalism) - night-watchman state that only protects life, liberty, and property. - Ensures freedom but neglects economic and social inequalities, leading to calls for state expansion.
2. Some Intervention to Enable Freedom - John Stuart Mill (Bridging Classical & Modern Liberalism) - education and welfare to prevent ignorance and oppression, which limit true freedom. - Balances freedom and intervention, but raises concerns about government overreach.
3. Active State to Ensure Social Justice - John Rawls (Modern Liberalism) - Rawls’ Theory of Justice (1971) justified welfare and taxation to create fair opportunities for all. - Reduces inequality, but some argue it restricts economic freedom and discourages self-reliance.

Question 8

8. Explain and analyse three ways in which liberal thinkers have viewed society.

Answer 8

1. Society as a Collection of Rational Individuals - John Locke (Classical Liberalism) - society as a voluntary association of individuals seeking mutual benefits. - Supports individual rights, but it ignores the role of community and social bonds.
2. Society as a Mechanism for Self-Development - John Stuart Mill (Bridging Classical & Modern Liberalism) - diversity and debate within society help people grow intellectually and morally. - Encourages free expression and experimentation, but unrestricted liberty can sometimes lead to social instability.
3. Society Must Correct Injustice and Inequality - John Rawls (Modern Liberalism) - an unjust society limits individual potential, justifying state intervention to correct inequalities. - Ensures fairer opportunities but may reduce incentives for individual effort and enterprise.