Liberalism Flashcards
What is the core belief of liberalism?
Individual freedom is the most important political value.
What are the two main strands of liberalism?
Classical liberalism and modern liberalism.
What do classical liberals believe?
Minimal state, free markets, negative freedom, and individual responsibility.
What do modern liberals believe?
An enabling state, positive freedom, and some redistribution of wealth to ensure fairness.
What is negative freedom?
the state doesnt get involved with liberty
classical liberal belief
What is positive freedom?
the state is invovled with personal freedom and helps it be achieved
associated with modern liberalism.
What is the liberal view of human nature?
Humans are rational, capable of self-improvement, and naturally seek liberty.
What is individualism?
The belief in the supreme importance of the individual over any collective body.
What is the liberal view of the state?
It should exist to protect individual liberty but must be limited (classical) or enabling (modern).
What is the social contract?
The idea that government authority is based on the consent of the governed.
Which thinkers are associated with the social contract?
John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
What is tolerance in liberalism?
Respecting the rights and views of others, even if you disagree with them.
What is the rule of law?
Everyone is subject to the law, and no one is above it.
What is constitutionalism?
Government should be limited by a constitution and operate according to agreed rules.
What is liberal democracy?
A democracy that protects individual rights and liberties and limits state power.
What is the liberal view of the economy?
Support for capitalism, private property, and free markets (with more or less regulation depending on strand).
What is laissez-faire capitalism?
An economy with minimal state intervention; favoured by classical liberals.
What is the enabling state?
A state that helps individuals to achieve freedom through education, healthcare, and welfare; favoured by modern liberals.
Who is John Locke?
A classical liberal who argued for natural rights, limited government, and consent of the governed.
Who is John Stuart Mill?
A bridge figure between classical and modern liberalism; supported liberty, tolerance, and some state intervention.
What is Mill’s ‘harm principle’?
The idea that individuals are free to do what they like as long as they do not harm others.
Who is Mary Wollstonecraft?
A liberal feminist who argued for women’s rights and equality of opportunity.
Who is T.H. Green?
A modern liberal who argued that freedom involves personal development and required some state support.
Who is John Rawls?
A modern liberal who developed the idea of the ‘original position’ and ‘veil of ignorance’ to argue for social justice.
