Liberalism definitions

Question 1

Foundational equality

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Formal equality

Answer 2

Equal status for all members of society regardless of social background

Question 3

Equal of opportunity

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Social contract

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Meritocracy

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Tolerance

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Mechanistic theory

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Limited government

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Harm principle

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Minimal state

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Enabling state

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Negative freedom

Answer 12

Freedom from interference by the state

Question 13

Positive freedom

Answer 13

Freedom by interference by the state

Question 14

Keynesians

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Laissez-faire capitalism

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Justice

Answer 16

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”.

Question 17

Reason

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Natural rights

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Utilitarianism

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Modern liberalism human nature

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Modern liberalism state

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Modern liberalism society

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Modern liberalism economy

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Classical liberalism human nature

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Classical liberalism state

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Classical liberalism society

Answer 26

Classical liberals believe that human society predates the state

Question 27

Classical liberalism economy

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Classical liberalism and Modern liberalism human nature

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Classical liberalism and Modern liberalism state

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

Classical liberalism and Modern liberalism society

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Classical liberalism and Modern liberalism economy

Answer 31

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