liberalism human nature

Question 1

what do liberals think humans are?

Answer 1

• egotistical
• rational
• progressive
• optomistic

Question 2

what do liberals think of humans as egotistical?

Answer 2

• liberals argue that humans are driven by egotistical individualism ( a term reflecting the liberal belief that human beings are drawn to the advancement of their own, selfish interests)
• therefore humans seek three things:
  -self realisation: to ensure we discover out ‘true’ and unique selves
  -self determination; to ensure we are the masters of our own fate and that the realities of our lives can be attributed to our own efforts
  -self fufilment: to ensure we have fully utilised our ‘natural rights’
• liberals argue that when thee things are denied, human beings are left demoralised, de-energised and afflicted by the sense of a wasted life.
• both Wollstonecraft and Friedan argued that male an female individuals shared a desire for self-fufilment and self- determination

Question 3

what do liberals think of humans as rational?

Answer 3

• according to Locke and John Stuart Mill, we may be egotistical, but our behaviour is also rational and therefore respectful to others; usually guided by reason and logic rather than emotion and impulse
• our rationality allows us to realise that selfishness and disrespect for others can rebound to our disadvantage
• simply, if we do not respect others, in their persuit of self-realisation, then others might not respect us

Question 4

what do liberals think of humans as progressive?

Answer 4

• liberal thinkers argue that HN is not set in stone, it is constantly progressing and developing through greater knowledge, an improved understanding of the world around us, and greater education. humans are likely to be more rational and intelligent than in the past
• this is called developmental individulism: which relates to the liberal philosophy of john stuart mill who wished to focus on what individuals could become.
  -JSM wrote: ‘i regard utility as the ultimate appeal on all ethical questions…grounded on the permanent interests of man as a progressive being’

Question 5

what do liberals think of humans as optimistic?

Answer 5

• liberals are clearly optimistic about the human condition and reject the idea of original sin
• liberalism, since locke, has argued that HN has the capacity to effect steady progress and increase human happiness. liberals admit that life is not without difficulty. but they insist that, through rational discussion and informed debate, solutions will normally be found to problems that routinely arise.