Liberalism Flashcards
Define Individualism
The belief of the primacy (i.e. the importance) of the individual in society over any group.
Individuals possess self-awareness, capabilities, personality and free will to decide their own destiny
Define Freedom and liberty
The ability of an individual to make decisions of their own accord and in their best interests.
Freedom however must be ‘under the law’ – i.e. it is not absolute.
Define the state
The state is seen as a ‘necessary evil’ under Liberalism.
It is needed to avoid disorder but must be limited as it can impact freedom and liberty.
Define Rationalism
Humans are rational creatures and are guided by reason and logic, not emotion and instinct.
This was central to Enlightenment thinking that rejected traditional authority and religion.
Define Equality and Social Justice
Humans share the same nature and are therefore are of equal value – this means that individuals should be treated impartially and fairly by society.
However, Liberals are divided on what equality means in practice.
Define Liberal Democracy
A democracy that balances the will of the people through free elections with a neutral, limited state and a recognition of civil liberties and toleration.
Formal Equality -
Equality in the eyes of the law.
Foundational Equality
Foundational Equality – people are created with equal moral worth.
Equality of opportunity definition
Everyone should have the same chance to rise or fall in society.
Differing outcomes are acceptable as we have different abilities and potentials.
Define Liberal opinion on Social Inequality
Social inequality: Liberals believe some social inequality is acceptable as people with different talents require different rewards. Individuals need an incentive to strive, creating a meritocracy.
Limited Government -
Government is empowered by law but is also restricted by law in a form of a constitution etc.
Means they are restricted in some way and power can be revoked if they are seen to breach
Limited Gov - (Constitution, Seperation of powers, Checks and balances, Bill of Rights)
The social contract -
Agreement between governor and governed, the rights and duties of each.
People consent to being ruled but this means it is revokable if breeched.
Two forms of Individualism -
Egoistical individualism - people are selfish and self reliant so NO SOCIETY.
Development individualism - SOCIETY NEEDED so everyone can grow and achieve personal goals
Arguments in favour of individualism:
Human Nature: Egoistical individualism - All humans are unique and therefore should be left to their own devices to achieve their own goals (classical liberals)
Society: Developmental individualism – society can provide foundations for everyone to achieve their individual goals.
Tolerance is very important for liberals as each person needs to respect another individuality – their own views and values.
Quote from Thatcher
“There is no such thing as society, there are individual men and women and there are families”
Thatcher
Generalised Agreement within Liberalism:
Human Nature
Optimistic view of human nature
Primacy of the individual
Arguments in favour of freedom and liberty:
Classic liberals v modern liberals
Early liberal: Negative Freedom/Liberty intervention only when people’s actions undermine the ability of others to make decisions Freedom From
Modern Liberals: Positive Freedom/Liberty State intervention is required to facilitate individuals controlling their own destiny. Freedom to
Liberal attitudes to the state:
- Necessary to prevent social disorder and exploitation of the vulnerable
- As human nature is self-seeking, people in power may use it to benefit themselves
- Therefore, there must be limited government
Liberal attitudes to rationalism:
- Individuals benefit from taking responsibility for themselves and making decisions without any external agencies
- Rationalism means individuals follow their best interests and make moral b, creating a progressive society
- Discussion and debate should be used to solve conflicts.
Liberal view on the economy:
Laissez-faire capitalism (Classic Libs)
Economic competition benefits everyone
Therefore no intervention is needed.
This is driven by views on rationalism and limited state.
Quote from Adam Smith on Capitalism
“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer or the baker that we expect our dinner but from their regard to their own interest”
Adam Smith
Argument for Liberal Democracy
- A social contract exists where people give and renew their consent to be governed
- A government is not legitimate without consent and must be accountable
- Democracy promotes personal growth through participation and provides stability, giving voice to all
Argument against Liberal Democracy:
- Some liberals, Robert Lowe, argue that the poorly educated should not vote – epistocracy
- Gives government expanded powers and can stifle initiative
- ‘Tyranny of the majority’ – lack of minority protections
- Therefore many liberals insist on constitutional protections for individuals and groups and limited government
Key points of John Locke
Social Contract
Limited Government - rejects divine right to rule.
Key points of Mary Wollstonecraft
Reason
Formal Equality
Proto-feminst
Key Points of John Stuart Mill
Harm Principle
Tolerance
Eudaimonia
Utilitarianism
Key Points of John Rawls
Theory of Justice
Veil of Ignorance
original position
Difference Principle
Key Points of Betty Friedan
Legal Equality
Equal Opportunity
Feminine Mystique
Problem with No name
Classical Liberalism Definition
Early liberals who believed that individual freedom would best be achieved with the state playing a minimal role
Modern Liberalism Definition
Emerged as a reaction against free-market capitalism, believing this had led to many individuals not being free.
Freedom could no longer simply be defined as ‘being left alone’.
Needed to ensure more equality.