Liberalism Flashcards
Where did the roots of liberalism lie?
In the reformation, a religious movement.
What was the enlightenment?
An intellectual movement that emerged in the mid-seventeenth century - defined by a belief in reason rather than faith.
What is the mechanistic theory?
Written but John Locke - argues that mankind is rational and therefore capable of devising a state that reflects mankind’s needs.
What was john Lockes book called?
Two Treatises of Government
What questions did John Locke raise?
Questions regarding Human nature and the type of state that was therefore appropriate.
What did John Locke deny regarding tradition?
Locke denied the traditional medieval principle that the state was part of gods creation
Where did Locke believe that the state had come from?
He said there was a “natural society” which served mankind’s interests tolerably well. - called the “state of nature”
What was john lockes view on human nature?
He had an upbeat view of human nature, believing humans were rational.
What did Locke believe that the modern state should do?
To resolve disputes between individuals more efficiently than what would be the case under the state of nature.
For Locke, how would the “state of law” be legitimised?
Only if it respected natural rights and natural laws, thus ensuring that individuals living under formal laws were never consistently worse off than if they had been in the state of nature.
What would Lockes ideal state reflect?
That the citizens had voluntarily consented to accept the states rulings in return for the state improving their situation. - social contract theory
What is the social contract theory?
That citizens have consented the states ruling over them.
What is limited government?
That the government should always represent the interests of the governed and always requiring the ongoing consent of the governed.
What does liberalism argue about human nature?
It argues that human nature has a huge capacity to bring about progress, and an unending ability to forge greater human happiness.
What do liberals believe individuals are guided by?
Reason and rationalism
What do liberals believe mankind’s innate reasons is manifested in?
Debate, discussion, peaceful argument and the measured examination of ideas and opinions
What were problems seen as to liberals
Merely challenges awaiting reasoned solutions; on account of human nature, individuals who really want something can usually achieve it through reason plus determination.
What is egotistical individualism?
The belief that human beings are naturally drawn to the advancement of their own, selfish interests and the pursuit of their own happiness.
What did Thomas hobbes argue about human nature in his book Leviathan
Argued that human nature is so brutally selfish that no society could possibly arise, or survive, until human nature is restrained by a strong, formal authority - a state.
What do liberals believe that the “default setting” of a society is?
The focus upon individual freedom and that any society which seeks to deny individualism is dysfunctional.
What was property described as my Mill and what are liberals views on property?
Property is a Prism, where individuals develop their potential, providing an opportunity, within civilised communities.
What is individualism?
The principle that individuals need to be at the heart of political thought.
What is economic liberalism?
Economic system that involves private property, individual traders cooperating and competing.
Who came up with the theory of trickle down economics and what did it involve?
Adam smith - economic success and wealth would “trickle down” to everyone in society
What does state of nature mean?
Justifies the very different types of political state they were proposing. It referred to what life might have been like before laws.
What view do liberals have if human nature?
Optimistic
What did Locke believe was the role of the state?
A state was needed to arbitrate effectively between the competing claims of rational individuals
What did liberals reject?
The rejection of the traditional state, rejecting monarchical, absolutist and arbitrary rule.
What is needed for a state to become legitimate?
Governments must have the consent to be governed by the people.
What was the quote about government by consent and who said it ?
John Locke - “government should always be the servant not the master, of the people.”
What do liberals believe a state should do before the people submit to it?
The state should promote and protect natural rights.
What is the harm principle? And who came up with it?
John Stuart Mill - actions that might be frowned upon should be tolerated, just as long as they do not “harm” the freedom of others.
What is foundational equality?
Refers to the liberal belief that every individual is born equal, with equal natural right. Such individuals are therefore entitled to legal equality in a liberal state.
What do all individuals need to achieve control of their own lives and fulfil their potential?
- equality of opportunity
What 3 features are needed in the structure of the state?
- constitutional/ limited government
- fragmented government
- formal equality
What is a limited government?
Involves the governments power being limited in terms of how it can act, by a constitutions rules.
What is a fragmented government?
Where the power of government is divided into different branches, each branch has a check one balance on other branches. E.g. USA - separation of powers
What dates was Classical liberalism?
Late seventeenth - late nineteenth centuries
