Liberalism

Question 1

Name some core values and principles of liberalism

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Give two types of liberalism

Answer 2

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’

Question 3

Explain Locke’s views on human nature

Answer 3

All humans are equal
Guided by rationalism
Natural laws, liberties and rights
Authors of our own characters, products of knowledge, education and attitudes

Question 4

Explain Locke’s views on the state

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Explain Locke’s views on society

Answer 5

Society predates the state
Natural
Humans will choose mutual benefit
Majority rule

Question 6

Explain Locke’s views on the economy

Answer 6

Natural right to private ownership

State should arbitrate when individuals compete for resources

Question 7

Explain Mill’s views on human nature

Answer 7

The ‘harm principle’ and negative freedom (the absence of restraint)
Evolving and improving human nature

Question 8

Explain Mill’s views on the state

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Explain Mill’s views on society

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Explain Mill’s views on the economy

Answer 10

Laissez-faire capitalism

Free-market would create classes, however wealth can never be completely evenly distributed

Question 11

Explain Wollstonecraft’s views on human nature

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Explain Wollstonecraft’s views on the state

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Explain Wollstonecraft’s views on society

Answer 13

Pro formal equality
Inequality stifles women’s individualism
Formal education for all to encourage individualism
Denied existence of a born to rule class

Question 14

Explain Wollstonecraft’s views on the economy

Answer 14

Inclusivity of women would improve free market economy

Question 15

Explain Friedan’s views on human nature

Answer 15

Men and women are equal, but women are held back by society, not by nature
Freedom to make decisions
Liberty for all

Question 16

Explain Friedan’s views on the state

Answer 16

State should ensure equality

It is vital state does this through legislation

Question 17

Explain Friedan’s views on society

Answer 17

Society makes men and women appear unequal, cultural conditioning in areas of society such as education

Question 18

Explain Friedan’s views on the economy

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Explain Rawls’ views on human nature

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Explain Rawls’ views on the state

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Explain Rawls’ views on society

Answer 21

Inequality of outcome is natural and acceptable

People would choose to improve the poorest persons situation therefore, bottom line up not top line down

Question 22

Explain Rawls’ views on the economy

Answer 22

Individuals require greater economic equality

Free market capitalism should exist alongside state’s obligation to help the poor

Question 23

Explain what Liberals agree about with regards to human nature

Answer 23

Optimistic- self-aware, capable of making own decisions that will benefit self

Question 24

Explain what Liberals agree about with regards to the state

Answer 24

Government by consent (however modern’s favour representative, and classic fear tyranny of majority)

Question 25

Explain what Liberals agree about with regards to society

Answer 25

Very tolerant of each other and right to make own decisions and be free

Question 26

Explain what Liberals agree about with regards to the economy

Answer 26

Self- regulating, free market economy

Question 27

Explain what Liberals disagree about with regards to human nature

Answer 27

CLASSICAL- rational, egotistical, self-interested, self help and ‘social Darwinism’
MODERN- More accepting of the need for social welfare

Question 28

Explain what Liberals disagree about with regards to the state

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Explain what Liberals disagree about with regards to society

Answer 29

CLASSICAL- Self-help, and atomism (is composed of self-sufficient individuals)
MODERN- Accepts social welfare

Question 30

Explain what Liberals disagree about with regards to the economy

Answer 30

CLASSICAL- Laissez- faire

MODERN- Laissez faire fails to dleibver prosperity for all, state intervention and Keynesian economics accepted