Liberalism Flashcards
Name some core values and principles of liberalism
Individualism- individuals over the group
State is a necessary evil (limited, as can remove individual liberty)
Rationalism- individuals can make own moral decisions in own interest
Equality and social justice, freedom
Liberal democracy- balance will of people and limiting state in respecting civil liberties
Give two types of liberalism
CLASSICAL- early liberals who believed that individual freedom would best be achieved with minimal state
MODERN- a reaction against free market capitalism as it limits freedom, freedom can no longer be defined as ‘being left alone’
Explain Locke’s views on human nature
All humans are equal
Guided by rationalism
Natural laws, liberties and rights
Authors of our own characters, products of knowledge, education and attitudes
Explain Locke’s views on the state
Created by mankind to serve their best interests
Gov by consent and social contract theory
State must seek to improve state of nature
Must protect life, liberty, property etc
Explain Locke’s views on society
Society predates the state
Natural
Humans will choose mutual benefit
Majority rule
Explain Locke’s views on the economy
Natural right to private ownership
State should arbitrate when individuals compete for resources
Explain Mill’s views on human nature
The ‘harm principle’ and negative freedom (the absence of restraint)
Evolving and improving human nature
Explain Mill’s views on the state
Democracy makes it hard to protect all individuals’ wishes
Feared tyranny of the majority
Representative dem., PR and universal suffrage is more attractive
Intellectual’s votes hold more weight
Explain Mill’s views on society
Tolerance is essential
Individuality and self-improvement should be encouraged
Trade unions and wealth redistribution will eventually lead to greater freedoms
Supported social reform, women’s suffrage and civil rights
Explain Mill’s views on the economy
Laissez-faire capitalism
Free-market would create classes, however wealth can never be completely evenly distributed
Explain Wollstonecraft’s views on human nature
Both genders are rational Optimistic view on hn Women's freedom lost through marriage, women should be able to own land Women weren't viewed as rational Constitutional defense of HR
Explain Wollstonecraft’s views on the state
Cant have gov by consent if women are deprived of the vote
women should be free from discrimination, protected by law
Equal property rights and supported Republican gov.
Explain Wollstonecraft’s views on society
Pro formal equality
Inequality stifles women’s individualism
Formal education for all to encourage individualism
Denied existence of a born to rule class
Explain Wollstonecraft’s views on the economy
Inclusivity of women would improve free market economy
Explain Friedan’s views on human nature
Men and women are equal, but women are held back by society, not by nature
Freedom to make decisions
Liberty for all
Explain Friedan’s views on the state
State should ensure equality
It is vital state does this through legislation
Explain Friedan’s views on society
Society makes men and women appear unequal, cultural conditioning in areas of society such as education
Explain Friedan’s views on the economy
Women were prevented from fulfilling economic potential
Free market would help women achieve their potential
Society shouldn’t restrict women of certain jobs, as not genuine liberty
Explain Rawls’ views on human nature
If hum and could create a new society under a ‘veil of ignorance’ they would benefit both the poor and rich due to selfishness and empathy
Freedom to choose own ends
Basic civil and political rights are inalienable
Explain Rawls’ views on the state
High public spending and a progressive tax system will help bring bottom up
Everyone would choose for a better society, therefore gov by consent as they would get involved to help the poor
Explain Rawls’ views on society
Inequality of outcome is natural and acceptable
People would choose to improve the poorest persons situation therefore, bottom line up not top line down
Explain Rawls’ views on the economy
Individuals require greater economic equality
Free market capitalism should exist alongside state’s obligation to help the poor
Explain what Liberals agree about with regards to human nature
Optimistic- self-aware, capable of making own decisions that will benefit self
Explain what Liberals agree about with regards to the state
Government by consent (however modern’s favour representative, and classic fear tyranny of majority)
Explain what Liberals agree about with regards to society
Very tolerant of each other and right to make own decisions and be free
Explain what Liberals agree about with regards to the economy
Self- regulating, free market economy
Explain what Liberals disagree about with regards to human nature
CLASSICAL- rational, egotistical, self-interested, self help and ‘social Darwinism’
MODERN- More accepting of the need for social welfare
Explain what Liberals disagree about with regards to the state
CLASSICAL- Limit state intervention as it is a necessary evil
Role of state should be minimal and for protection, law, order, security, defence, upholding freedom etc
MODERN- Enabling state with a key welfare role
Large amounts of benefits or communism however takes away freedom
Explain what Liberals disagree about with regards to society
CLASSICAL- Self-help, and atomism (is composed of self-sufficient individuals)
MODERN- Accepts social welfare
Explain what Liberals disagree about with regards to the economy
CLASSICAL- Laissez- faire
MODERN- Laissez faire fails to dleibver prosperity for all, state intervention and Keynesian economics accepted
