Liberalism Flashcards
John Locke (Classical Liberalism)
Core Idea: Social contract theory; government by consent; limited government.
Belief: Humans are rational, and the state is needed to protect freedom and resolve disputes.
Mary Wollstonecraft (Classical Liberalism)
Core Idea: Women are rational beings and should have the same rights as men.
Belief: Gender equality benefits society; women’s rights should be recognized for government consent.
John Stuart Mill (Classical Liberalism)
Core Idea: Harm principle – freedom unless harm to others occurs.
Belief: Individuality and rationality can develop; supports representative democracy to avoid tyranny of the majority.
John Rawls (Modern Liberalism)
Core Idea: Theory of justice and equality of opportunity.
Belief: An enlarged state ensures fairness; the “veil of ignorance” justifies state intervention for equality.
Betty Friedan (Modern Liberalism)
Core Idea: Women’s equality and the state’s role in promoting individualism.
Belief: Advocated for state action to prevent discrimination and ensure women’s self-development.
Strands of Liberalism:
Classical Liberalism: Emphasizes negative liberty, minimal state, laissez-faire capitalism.
Modern Liberalism: Focuses on positive liberty, social justice, and a larger, enabling state.
Human Nature:
Classical Liberals: Individuals are naturally rational but unequal.
Modern Liberals: Developmental individualism, with state intervention to help all realize their potential.
The State:
Classical Liberals: Minimal state to protect liberty; democracy can threaten individualism.
Modern Liberals: Enlarged state to promote positive liberty and equality.
Society:
Classical Liberals: A natural society predates the state.
Modern Liberals: Modern society needs state support to enable individualism.
Economy:
Classical Liberals: Support laissez-faire capitalism and minimal state interference.
Modern Liberals: Believe the state should manage the economy (e.g., Keynesianism) to ensure fairness.
