liberalism Flashcards
the principal of individualism is not merely a preference for individual over group needs but a deeper philosophical stance that
every person possesses inherent value at the right to self determination
liberals beliebe that society and politics should be structured to promote the autonomy , freedom and well being of each individuals rather than
primarily serving the groups interests , whether these are defined by class religion or any other collective identity
empowering individuals is also seen as the most effective route to progress and justice in society with the belief that when
individuals are free to pursue their own paths society as a whole benefits
society with its natural rights and laws , along with the inherent nature of humans naturally promotes individualism , it is an interfering state that
can threaten this
the individual is therefore the primary init of analysis in society fundamentally shaping liberal views of society
the state the economy and human nature
the individualism that classical liberals support can be seen as ‘ egotistical individualism ‘ a concept closely tied to the idea of
negative liberty and a minimal state
this viewpoint believes that the bets way to ahcive a better society is by letting indviduals follow their own intreats with lil gov interference , it argues that
people naturally follow their own intreats and happiness
thinkers like Locke are key proponents of this view they argue that when people are left to pursue their self interest , guided by rational thinking , it ultimately benefits
everyone ins society
rationalism ensures that this pursuit of ones own intreats doesn’t harm others leads to significant conflict , instead it would lead to
rational consensus and agreement between indviduals
individuals are th best judge of their own interests and when they do it not only foster personal responsibility and independence but also stimulates
innovation ,l economic development and societal progress
classical liberalism therefrom champion policies that reduce government control over economic and personal life , it advocates for
free markers property rights and limited government intervention , thus arguing that these create and environment where indvidual initiative and enterprise can thrive
importantly this also creates a natural societal order where issues are resolved through the
free actions of individuals rather than through government mandates
modern liberals instead agree for ‘ developmental individualism ‘ which is rooted in the idea that
each person should have the chance to develop their talents and abilities to the fullest
this for, of individualism , first articualuated by Mill links in the positive liberty and argues that
true individual freedom doesn’t just involve the absence of constraints it also requires providing individuals with the tools necessary to pursue their goals
modern liberal thinkers including Rawls and T.H Green advocate for this view emphasising that for individuals to truly flourish and contribute to society they need access to
certain resources and opportunities including education , healthcare and social welfare programmes
this perspective shifts the foucs from simply protecting indivuidla rights to actively creating conditions that enable all members off society to relate their potential , it suggests that personal growth and societal progress are interdependent
when individuals are supported in their development society as a whole becomes more proposepous and harmonious
accordingly modern liberalism advocated for a more involved government that not only ensure basic right and freedoms but also takes active
measures to level the playing field
