Liberalism Flashcards
What is classical liberalism typically associated with? [1]
The Enlightenment of the 18th century when rationalistic ideas of science challenged traditional religious order and divinely ordained monarchical government
What are the 5 main ideas of classical liberalism? [5]
- Government by consent
- Guarantee of individual freedom
- Representative democracy
- Limited role of the state in economy and society
- Individuals are born with natural rights
What type of liberty do Classical liberals believe in?
Negative liberty: ‘freedom from’ individuals aren’t prevented from doing things
In John Locke’s biography what job did he have which is likely to influence his ideology?
Locke was secretary of the Board of Trade and Plantations
In the state of nature, according to Locke, what are humans able to do?
Humans are able to rule themselves, but the state is a necessary evil as it is more convenient than self rule w//o an arbiter
What in Locke’s state of nature leads to his belief that the state should be limited?
That humans are capable of self-rule. This also explains the removal of the divine right of kings as it is not wholly necessary and so cannot have been ordained by God
Locke on human nature? [2]
- Humans have natural right to ‘life, liberty and property’
2. All humans have capacity for reason and sense of morality
What does Locke view political power as conditioned to?
Locke views political power as conditioned to its fulfilment of the preservation of life, liberty and property
What does Locke say about a social contract?
Locke says that a government which does not fulfil its function can be dismissed. He indicates the right of rebellion
Why are we able to rule ourselves in the state of nature?
We are able to rule ourselves and maintain justice because we are aware of our natural right to life, liberty, and property
Where do politicians derive their power from, according to Locke?
Politicians derive their power from the people, which is called popular sovereignty
Why is government inherently oppressive, w. reference to the state of nature, according to Locke?
If there are no rules in the state of nature, then if the gov. gives us a choice we inherently cannot exercise this choice fully
What does Locke say about tolerance?
Locke says that we should be tolerant of other religions and political views.
How does Locke justify the separation of the church and government?
Locke justifies this through the theory of limited government
For Locke, what does ‘property’ refer to?
Property for Locke, refers to anything related to our ‘worldly’ or temporal life
What is God’s wish, with regards to property, according to Locke?
God’s wish that we exploit land in the most efficient manner possible
What is Locke’s Labour theory of property (or value)?
The fruits of someone’s labour is rightfully theirs
What are Locke’s 3 conditions fo private property?
- Acquired by labour
- ‘Enough and as good’ left for others
- What we take is used and not wasted, Locke thinks money is great as it doesn’t waste
How does Locke justify the imposition of a feudal system in the Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina?
Locke argues that the natives are inefficient at working their land
What is Locke’s law of nature?
Locke’s law of nature is that; where possible, you should help those who are in need as much as you can
Events in Wollstonecraft’s life which push her towards a more feminist stance
- Independent at 19 w. an abusive father
- Job opportunities reduced for women, opened a school
- 1792 ‘A Vindication of the rights of women’
- She prefers reason to tradition, influenced by Rousseau’s work
- liberal lifestyle w. first child out of wedlock
What is God’s project, according to Wollstonecraft?
God’s project is happiness.
Wollstonecraft’s view of human nature
Positive view of human nature, viewing men and women as equally rational. Everyone born equal and fundamentally free
How did Wollstonecraft view human nature?
She viewed it as progressive; we change as we learn
What, for Wollstonecraft, allows us to gain knowledge from our passions?
Experience allows us to gain knowledge from our passions
For Wollstonecraft, what should humans seek?
Humans should seek virtue (aka enlightenment) ‘Liberty is the mother of virtue’
Why does Wollstonecraft say that women don’t have ‘universal’ rights? [4]
- Economically- sex workers
- Legally- no independence
- Politically- no vote
- Socially- confinement and subjection
What does Wollstonecraft describe rights as?
Wollstonecraft describes rights as bi-dimensional; 1. written declaration
2. Rights of men over women
What does Wollstonecraft believe must be entrenched within the state?
Women’s rights
Which ideas of Locke does Wollstonecraft support?
Wollstonecraft supports 1. formal equality
2. social contract
Why does Wollstonecraft believe we live in a corrupt society?
Wollstonecraft believes we live in a corrupt society as there is a preoccupation with the superficial and superfluous. The tyranny of manners over morals
What, socially have we failed in, according to Wollstonecraft?
Wollstonecraft believes that we are lost in our search for virtue and knowledge. She also believes that we are unfree
Who does Wollstonecraft use as an example of what is wrong with society?
Burke
What is Wollstonecraft’s proposal about education?
Wollstonecraft advocates education for all; girls and boys, rich and poor, educated together ages 5-9