Liberalism Flashcards
Three ways Liberal thinkers view human nature
Locke - Optimistic view. Humans are moral and capable, should be left alone to flourish. Influenced views on state, “nightwatchman state” Developmental individualism
Rawls - Due to unequal social structures, humans need to be enabled to self-actualize. Influenced views on state, increased equality of opportunity
Friedan - Unchecked human nature leads to gender inequality. State inherently patriarchal, women cannot achieve potential if they are oppressed. Campaigned for equal pay and maternity rights. Influenced views on enabling state
Three ways Liberal thinkers view the state
Locke - The state is a “necessary evil” because “where there is no law, there is no freedom” No laws should infringe upon natural rights - limited “nightwatchman” state. Influenced Bill of Rights and the Separation of Powers in USA
Rawls - State should be expanded via increased taxation to achieve equality of opportunity. Re-distribution of wealth and an enabling state is needed. Veil of Ignorance
Friedan - State is inherently patriarchal and it needs to intervene more in order to balance opportunity and power. State needs to pass legislation that prohibits against gender discrimination - state should mold society. Positive liberty. JFK and Johnson administrations
Three ways Liberal thinkers view society
Mill - society should be tolerant and diverse as long as it doesn’t negatively effect others. Harm principle. Developmental individualism. Atomistic society - egotistical individualism. selfishly pursuing own interests
Green - organic society where we all have a moral obligation to help each other
Wollstonecraft - women should feel the benefits of society and society is missing out by not including women. “Let women share the rights and she will emulate man” Influenced views on state, slightly larger to enfranchise women
Three ways Liberal thinkers view the economy
Locke - free market capitalism. State should respect natural rights to private property and regulate monopoly powers. Adam Smith economics: “invisible hand of the free market” and “trickle down economics” Opposed tariffs
Rawls - free market capitalism should be tempered by the states moral obligation to advance its poorest citizens. Influenced view on state, should be more active to manage economy during crisis
Wollstonecraft - Free market capitalism would be energized by the enterprise of liberated women. Women should be able to enjoy economic freedom and property rights.
Three ways Liberal thinkers view freedom
Three ways Liberal thinkers view justice
