Liberalism: BG

Question 1

What social changes marked the beginnings of liberalism?

Answer 1

The reformation of the 15th and 16th centuries of the enlightenment marked the beginnings of liberalism, both involving significant shifts in religious and societal views

Question 2

How did the Reformation influence the development of liberalism?

Answer 2

led to the rejection of the need to communicate with God through a Priest, promoting direct communication with God and fostering a more individualist approach to religion

Question 3

What was the impact of the Enlightenment on the role of religion in society?

Answer 3

many people moved away from religious assumptions about society and began using scientific reasoning to explain the world

Question 4

What core idea emerged from the Enlightenment that is central to liberalism?

Answer 4

The primacy of the individual
Each person is considered the best judge of their own interests and is expected to act rationally to achieve them

Question 5

How did the emerging idea of individual primacy affect views on the state?

Answer 5

Led to doubts about the role of the state and why individuals lives were controlled by a collective
Preference for minimal state intervention.

Question 6

What principles became common as part of classical liberalism?

Answer 6

Private Property
Rejection of state intervention