liberalism branches Flashcards
what is the classical liberal view on the economy
- the market is a series of self-regulating transactions between self-interested individuals
- the market leads to the most efficient (profitable) allocation of resources- adam smith
- government intervention leads to the ‘dead hand’
- inequalities were natural- meritocracy
- promotes negative freedom
what is the classical liberal view on the state
- the state is important to ensure equal liberty for all
- the state should be based on individual consent
- the state should be limited by a consitution, seperation of powers and democracy to prevent the state infringing on the rights of individuals
What is the clasical liberal view of society
- atomistic view of society
- society is a realm of freedom
- believe inequality is natural as individuals are born different: success should be based on merit (social darwinism/ survival of the fittest)
- tolerance
- formal equality, foundational equality
what is the clasical liberal idea of human nature
- individuals are egoisic: self interested and self reliant
- identity is not defined by social catagories such as gender
- individuals are rational and capable of development
- individuals are best placed to determine what is in their interest
- egoistical individualism does not create conflict due to rationality
what is the classical liberal view on freedom?
- argue for negative freedom: absense of constraints
- freedom allows rational individuals to persue their goals and make progress
what is the classical view of rights?
- rights are ‘natural’: god given at birth
- rights are ‘inalienable’
what is the modern liberal view on individualism?
developmental individualism: there should be a focus not just on the presuit of utility but the encoragement of a focus on individual development
what is the modern liberal view of freedom?
- will negative freedom is necessary it is not sufficient.
- positive freedom
what is the modern liberal view of human nature?
- indivdiduals can be alturistic and possess both social and individual responsibility
what is the modern liberal view of the economy?
- mixed economy, use injections to prevent recession
- response to industrialisation
- state has a responsibilitty to create conditions to allow indivdiuals to reach their potential - state used to create a meritocracy
- believed that this approach was rational (rawls) and aligned with liberal values
what is the modern liberal view of society?
- equality of oppertunity
what are the areas of agreement over the state?
- state should promote freedoms
- state is necessary but should be limited
- formal equality, tolerance, minority rights
- state should be based on liberal democracy
what are the areas of disagreement over the state?
- ML enabling state vs CL nightwatchman
- ML want more state intervention in the economy
- ML want more intervention to reduce inequality and promote social juctice
what are the key areas of agreement over the economy?
- support for private property as it promotes individualism
- inequality holds women back
what are the key areas of disagreement over the economy?
- mixed vs free market (based on their ideas of freedom)
- CL believe that capitalism promotes a meritocracy ML dont (E of Op)
