Liberalism: Human nature Flashcards
AGREE: All individuals are rational creatures, capable of reason and logic.
This optimistic attitude towards human nature, is based on the assumption that our behaviour is determined by our rational interest, rather than irrational emotions or prejudice. We are governed by reason and therefore should be entrusted with as much freedom as possible. In the ‘Vindication of the Rights of Woman’ Mary Wollstonecraft said the ‘mind has no gender’, and later on Betty Friedan, argued that women were just as rational and capable as men.
AGREE: Individuals are self-interested
Humans are fundamentally driven by self-interest. Every individual seeks self-fulfilment, self-realisation, and self-determination. This belief is upheld by liberal feminists, both whom argue that male and female individuals share the desire for self-interest. In ‘The Feminine Mystique’, Betty Friedan argued that women were suppressed of their natural pursuit of self-fulfilment, to dedicate themselves to their husband and children.
DISAGREE: Differing views of rationality.
Classical liberals thought rationality was innate.
Whereas, modern liberals viewed rationality as a potential. Without education, individuals are more susceptible to ideas that might undermine or endanger the rights and freedoms of minority communities in the state, Mill coined the term ‘Tyranny of the Majority’. Which is not based on rationality. Further down the line in, Rawls also recognised the importance of education in alleviating social injustice and bringing equality.
DISAGREE: Differing attitudes towards the individual.
Classical liberals, an individuals primary motivation is their ego - egotistical individualism. Individuals aim to maximise their own utility, so they can thrive to the best of their ability. For individuals to be free they must be able to pursue their own ego.
Modern liberals, argue for developmental individualism. Johns Rawls argued that classical liberalism, underplayed the inequalities of society. In the theory of justice, Rawls argued that one’s societal position and particular circumstance were important in determining whether an individual thrived or underachieved. For individuals to be free, through the state intervening, can assist in individuals development.
