Liberalism - Core Ideas And Priciples Flashcards
1
Q
Individualism
A
- places value on the rights of the individual over the rights of the group in society
2
Q
Primacy of the individual
A
- john squat mill argued that we gain ”over his own body and mind the individuals sovereign”
- individuals responsible for own actions
3
Q
Individual vs the state
A
- state should harm individuals rights
- dislike sting and paternalistic sets
- much freedom as possible
- some reject site intervention in the free market & gov welfare
- individual has a responsibility to achieve in society by the strength of their own ability
4
Q
Egoistical individualism
A
- Belgian that individual freedom involves scarifying ones own desires and needs
- extreme versions don’t believe in society
- supports a state as small as possible
- also known as atomism (held by classical liberals)
5
Q
developmental individualism
A
- believe in a society and that indiviuals wish to live along side each other
- supports Ida that the state can make individuals more free by providing them with welfare and support
- often held by social liberals
6
Q
Capitalism
A
- believe in free choice & that the capitalist system is the best way to ensure individual freedom in society and the economy
- capitalist ,arrest is based around ideas of free choice
- some believe in government interventions in the free market, but all support capitalism in one form or another
7
Q
The harm principle
A
- Mill proposed the harm principle
- individual liberty can be restrict if an indivuals actions may risk ham to others
- ensures freedom of the community
8
Q
Positive liberty
A
- when an individual is given freedom to do as they wish by an authority
- eg te state giving social welfare to an indovual may give them the income to do actions they wish to do so
- supports a larger role for the states
9
Q
Negative liberty
A
- when a individual is free from external constraints and interference to do as they wish
- eg freedom from a tyrannical government means an individual’s can speak and act as they wish with no fear of harm from the government
- supportsew a smaller role from the state
10
Q
Human nature
A
- individual freedom is a need for liberals
11
Q
The state
A
- freedom is not absolute & it mist be exercised under the law of the state
12
Q
Society
A
- human actions are driven primarily by a desire to pursue pleasure & avoid pain
- government should only intervene on the basis of the harm principle
- ‘greatest happiness for the greatest numbers’ ; Bentham
13
Q
Individualism - human nature
A
- all humans are unique with equal worth
- should not be used as objects
14
Q
Individualism - the state
A
- developmental individualism justifies limited state intervention to help the disadvantaged
- tolerance is a natural right
- modern = developmental indiviualsim - an enabling state
- classical = egoistical individualism - people are self-seeking & self-reliant
15
Q
The state - ‘necessary evil’
A
- social disorder & exploitation of vulnerable people because human nature is self seeking & infringes on individualism
- limited government on constitutionalism; separation of powers, checks/balances/bill of rights
16
Q
Rationalism
A
- human’s should be guided be Eason not emotion
- enlightenment thinking; rejected unquestioning acceptance of tradition & religion
- humans need to be free to make self-interested decisions without being directed by external agencies
- supports a progressive society, personal development promotes wider social advancement
17
Q
Equality/social justice
A
- individuals are of equal value, should be treated fairly & impartially by society
- equality of opportunity = humans have different abilities & potentials they should be able to fulfill
- modern = state intervention = acceptable to support social equality
18
Q
Liberal democracy
A
- democracy that balances the will of the people, with a limited state and a respect for civil liberties in society
19
Q
Meritocracy
A
- a system which promotion is based on on individual ability/achievement
20
Q
Mechanistic theory
A
- state was created by the people, to serve the people
