Liberalism definitions Flashcards

1
Q

Foundational equality

A

The belief that all human beings, no matter who they are, are born equal. This means that they have the same human or ‘natural’ rights and have the same moral worth.

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2
Q

Formal equality

A

Equal status for all members of society regardless of social background

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3
Q

Equal of opportunity

A

Ensures that all interested individuals have the same ability to access and the chance of receiving resources, such as employment, housing, or education, without discrimination based on irrelevant factors such as age, race, religion, or gender

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4
Q

Social contract

A

The obligation to obey civil government under the conditional upon the protection of the natural rights of each person, including the right to private property. Sovereigns who violated these terms could be justifiably overthrown.

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5
Q

Meritocracy

A

The notion of a political system in which economic goods or political power are vested in individual people based on ability and talent, rather than wealth, social class, or race.

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6
Q

Tolerance

A

The ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees with

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7
Q

Mechanistic theory

A

The idea that the state was created by “man” to serve the people and act in their interests.

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8
Q

Limited government

A

The idea that there should be clear restrictions on government and its rulers in order to protect the natural rights of citizens

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9
Q

Harm principle

A

The idea that people should be free to act as they wish if their actions do not cause harm to others

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10
Q

Minimal state

A

A government whose intervention in the economy is just sufficient to sustain organized economic activity. The responsibilities of a minimal state would include provision of policing, a judiciary, and defense of the nation – also known as a nightwatchmen state

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11
Q

Enabling state

A

Those disadvantaged within society require state assistance to truly experience a life of liberty.

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12
Q

Negative freedom

A

Freedom from interference by the state

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13
Q

Positive freedom

A

Freedom by interference by the state

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14
Q

Keynesians

A

Governments should solve problems in the short run rather than wait for market forces to fix things over the long run

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15
Q

Laissez-faire capitalism

A

An economic philosophy of free-market capitalism that opposes government intervention.

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16
Q

Justice

A

The concept that individuals are to be treated in a manner that is equitable and fair under the law. A society in which justice has been achieved would be one in which individuals receive what they “deserve”.

17
Q

Reason

A

A statement or fact that explains why something is the way it is.

18
Q

Natural rights

A

Those that are not dependent on the laws or customs of any culture or government, and so are universal, fundamental and inalienable – EG: life, liberty, property.

19
Q

Utilitarianism

A

A theory of morality that advocates actions that foster happiness or pleasure and oppose actions that cause unhappiness or harm

20
Q

Modern liberalism human nature

A

Modern liberals like Mill and Rawls tend to think that such qualities are potential features of human nature, to be developed by enlightened liberal authorities. Friedan would say this needs to be ‘enabled’ by the state

Egotistical individualism v Developmental individualism

21
Q

Modern liberalism state

A

Modern liberals like Friedan, in accordance with positive liberty believe state intervention should be extensive to ‘enable’ individuals to reach their potential

22
Q

Modern liberalism society

A

Modern liberals like Rawls believe that industrialized and urban societies are those where individuals are less autonomous and therefore require the state. Wolstencroft and Friedan felt that society stifled female individualism.

Negative liberty v Positive liberty

23
Q

Modern liberalism economy

A

Modern liberals have more sympathy for the view of John Maynard Keyes – that capitalism requires state management to ensure full employment. ‘Managed’ capitalism – support for supernational organizations like the EU.

24
Q

Classical liberalism human nature

A

Classical liberals believe that individuals are innately blessed with these qualities like Locke

25
Q

Classical liberalism state

A

Classic liberals, like Mill, in accordance with negative liberty believe state intervention should be minimal and individuals left unchecked unless they hamper the freedom of others.

26
Q

Classical liberalism society

A

Classical liberals believe that human society predates the state

27
Q

Classical liberalism economy

A

Classic liberals support ‘laissez-faire’ attitude to the economy

28
Q

Classical liberalism and Modern liberalism human nature

A

All liberals belief that individuals are generally rational intelligent, keen to prioritize individual happiness and fulfillment.

29
Q

Classical liberalism and Modern liberalism state

A

All liberals believe that the state should function according to prearranged rules and procedures, with power fragmented and authority subject to the consent of the governed.

30
Q

Classical liberalism and Modern liberalism society

A

All liberals see society as a collection of diverse and potentially autonomous individuals, seeking self-determination, self-realization and self fulfilment.

31
Q

Classical liberalism and Modern liberalism economy

A

All liberals believe that the economy should be based on private property and private enterprise