Liberalism Flashcards
Origins of Liberalism
Enlightenment -
Age of Reason, Philosophical Movement, in the 17th & 18th century = reason rather than faith, challenge rules of monarch & religion e.g. Devine right of Kings.
Human Nature pre-enlightenment?
humans were imperfect due to original sin = prey to god for salvation & forgiveness
Human Nature post-enlightenment?
Optimistic view driven by rationality & reason - problems solved through discussion not violence (revolution)
What does Liberalism reject in regards to Human Nature?
‘Fate’ & ‘Gods Plan’ = individuals can shape their own destiny instead.
Criticism of Liberalism view of Human Nature?
Thomas Hobbes; HN is negative & naturally selfish
What does John Lock believe in regards to society?
a Natural society with natural laws can facilitate individualism & individual freedom
Society & Right to Property?
supported by JSM & JL = property is the prism for individuals to develop their potential/individual freedom
Criticism of Liberalism view of Society?
Thomas Hobbes; ‘natural’ society requires a state to survive as human nature must be restrained
Adam Smiths book (economy)
‘The Wealth of Nations’ 1776 - ‘laissez fair capitalism’ private ownership, free trade, low government regulation
Economy & Private Property
essential for a prosperous society
- ownership of land = productivity in order to pay taxes
What type of economic system is supported by Liberalism?
Capitalism (economic liberalism) = positive view of HN ensures trickle down economics
What did John S. Mill believe in regards to society?
Individuals are rational in pursuit of their self interests & therefore wish to fulfil their desire to be self-reliant & independent.
Objectives of the Liberal State? (7)
Rejection of the 'Traditional State' Government by consent Promotion of Natural Rights/Individualism Promotion of tolerance Meritocracy Equality of Opportunity Justice
State: What is the Rejection of the Traditional State?
Rejection of the state that was common in Europe pre-enlightenment - ruled by monarchs & arbitrary rule
State: What is a Government by Consent? & quote
a state that is only legitimate if those being governed have chosen who’s in power
Locke - ‘Government should be servant, not master, of the people’
State: What is the Promotion of tolerance?
tolerance of those exercising their rights.
(John S Mill) Harm Principle = individuals are free unless their actions ‘harm’ the rights & freedoms of other individuals within the state, later developed by Betty Freidan
State: What is ‘Meritocracy’?
Political power should e exercised by those worthy enough to govern
NOT have it passed down = birth should not trump ability (hence rejection of divine right of kings)
State: What is Equality of Opportunity
individuals are born equal with equal rights of equal value = equal opportunity of reaching their potential
Failing individuals are responsible for themselves, not the state to blame
Classical Liberalism - Key thinkers
John Locke & John Stewart Mill
Classical Liberalism - Minimal State?
individual freedom is best achieved by government playing only a minimal role in people’s lives - opposing an expansion of the state.
Classical Liberalism - Negative Liberty?
individuals should pursue their destiny = individual liberty is an essential element of self-determination, interference is an infringement on individual liberty
Classical Liberalism - Laissez-fair Capitalism?
Minimal state interference to facilitate private enterprise = capitalism
When did Later Classical Liberalism emerge?
following industrialisation leading to many leaving the countryside and living in cities
Classical Liberalism - Revolution?
Revolutionary Acts may be necessary to challenge pre-enlightenment ideas and establish a government by consent
When did Modern Liberalism begin?
Late 19th century
Modern Liberalism - 1) Positive Liberty/Social Justice?
T.H. Green - modern societies stoped individualism meaning they could not seek self-determination/realisation - social justices required in order for individuals to still do this.
Modern Liberalism - Positive freedom
key aspect, revised ‘negative freedom’ individuals left alone are inhibited rather than free - need enabling in order to utilise their individual talents & reach their potential
Modern Liberalism - 2) Enlarged & enabled state
create a large state to stop socio-economic problems from threatening freedom & individuality
Modern Liberalism - Collectivism
Individuals with personal interest are better addressed if they are shared with a common group - Freidrick V. Hayek - betrayed classical liberalism
Modern Liberalism - 3) Constitutional Reform/Democracy
enlarged state must be improved - Government by Concent = liberal democracy
How do Modern Liberals limit democracy?
against referendums - fear a tyranny of the majority (e.g. Brexit) - dilute democracy to protect liberal values.
What is Social Liberalism?
aspect of modern liberalism updating classical liberalisms stress on the ‘Promotion of Tolerance’
Key Social Liberalist Thinker?
Betty Friedan
When did Neo-Liberalism emerge & why?
20th century to bring classical liberalism into modern age, criticising modern liberalism as its socialism betrayed individualism
Neo-Liberalism; economic policy?
reemphasis on negative freedom & minimal state, less public spending, privatisation of public services = labelled a conservative ideology
3 ways Human Nature is significant to Liberal thinkers?
Mary Woolstonecraft
John Stewart Mill
Betty Friedan
3 ways Society is significant to Liberal thinkers?
John Locke
John Stewart Mill
John Rawls
3 ways the State is significant to Liberal thinkers?
John Locke
John Stewart Mill
John Rawls
