LIBERALISM - Individualism Flashcards
Briefly outline what Classical Liberals stand for?
It is a set of political ideas of the early liberals.
They believed that individual freedom would be achieved best with a minimal state, who intervenes as little as possible in individual’s lives.
This was the dominant form of liberalism until the early 20th century. It was at its peak in the Victorian era.
Briefly outline what Modern Liberals stand for?
This strand emerged in the early 20th century.
It was formed as a reaction against the free-market capitalism in a mass-industrialised state.
Modern liberals believe that this led many individuals to be restricted by social and economic disadvantages beyond their own control and so their freedom was restricted.
They did not believe that freedom was to be defined as having a laissez faire state
Rationalism - what do liberals think about this?
Do ALL liberals believe in rationality?
All liberals believe in a central belief that humans, by nature, are rational individuals: wherever possible, individuals should be allowed to make their own decisions and choices about their own, personal ways of life.
We all want to express ourselves as individuals.
CLAS LIB
What do they believe about rationality and individualism?
Classical liberals such as Locke, interpret this to mean egoistical individualism (atomistic individualism)
This is the idea that individual freedom is associated with self-interest and self-reliance. We do what we think is best for us.
Being self-interested doesn’t mean you neglect others – it does mean that you are focused on your own interests in the way that you define them – rather than the interests and wellbeing of others.
MOD LIB
What do they think about rationality and individualism?
Modern liberals interpret individualism as:
- Developmental individualism – this is defined as the idea that individual is linked to human flourishing. NOT, just the restriction of intervention.
This concept believes that it is in the individual’s self-interest, to be a part of a society that allows everybody to flourish.
Modern Libs such as John Rawls justify support for state intervention in society to help the most disadvantaged, so that not only the privileged flourish in society.
E.g., better state schools/free schools ensure that the very disadvantaged have education. This widens the base of talent and ensures more individuals in society can develop their potential.
What is the definition of rationalism?
It is the belief that the world has a rational structure, which can be disclosed and understood through reason and critical enquiry.
Rationalism underpins an individuals ability to define their own best interests and make their own moral choices, which creates a greater, more progressive society.
RATIONALISM/ENLIGHTENMENT IMPACT ON LIBERALISM
- Individual freedom and belief in progress
John Locke prefer the concept of maximising individual freedom by leaving individuals to make their own decisions.
J.S Mill (transitional liberal) expanded this emphasis on freedom, as he recognised that the state HAD to intervene in extending education.
John Rawls, a modern liberal, argued for even greater role for the state in society and the economy – he labelled this the Enabling State.
The expansion of knowledge following the Enlightenment, enabled people to shape their world for better.
J.S Mill was typical of liberals - he believed in REASON, which gives humans the capacity to take charge of their own lives. So, reason can free humankind. Each generation can advance beyond the last because of our increasing understanding.
RATIONALISM/ENLIGHTENMENT IMPACT ON LIBERALISM
- Discussion and Debate
Reason and rationalism are great because it provides a basis on which rival claims and demands can be evaluated – are they reasonable? Do they stand up to analysis?
If people are not standing up to social issues as they should, then peaceful protests may be needed to change the people’s minds.
Liberals consequently view war as a last resort – following WWI, Liberals led campaigns to support the League of Nations, which was a fore-runner of the UN. It sought to bring countries together to discuss their disputes.
RATIONALISM/ENLIGHTENMENT IMPACT ON LIBERALISM
- Education
Liberals believe people can better themselves through gaining knowledge which would lead them to abandon superstition and prejudice.
Education is a vital mean of promoting personal self-development
When extended widely, education will bring social advancement because it would increase the pool of knowledge and talent in our society.
RATIONALISM/ENLIGHTENMENT IMPACT ON LIBERALISM
Rule by consent
Liberals believe that since individuals are rational, that they should have the right to consent to who rules them.
John Locke describes this arrangement as the ‘social contract’, whereby citizens agree to obey the laws made by their rulers. The rulers agree to make laws that safeguard the liberty of each citizen.
John Rawls used a form of the social contract theory to support his ideas for the wider role of an ‘enabling state’.
What is the definition of individualism?
Individualism is the belief in the primacy of the individual in society over any group.
CLAS LIB
Egoistical Individualism
Defined as the ‘individual freeom is associated with self-interest and self-reliance and is associated with the concept of atomism’
Atomism is the belief that society is made up of a cluster of self-interested and largely self-sufficient individuals, or atoms, rather than social groups
MOD LIB
Developmental Individualism
Defined as ‘the idea that individual freedom is linked to human flourishing’
This downplays the pursuit of self-interest and has been used to justify support for state intervention in society to help the most disadvantged.
Individuality is layered and complex and is about reaching your full potential and flourishing.
This perspective addresses altrusim (being moral and raising self-less concern for others)
What does J.S Mill think of individualism?
Mill emphasised that the main purpose of any civilised society was to facilitate individualism.
Mill believed, in On Liberty, that freedom equated to freedom from dependency and the freedom to live one’s life in a way that maximises self-fulfilment.
What does Samuel Smiles think of individualism?
Samuel Smiles worried that individualism was compromised and threatened because of the rise of socialism.
In Self Help, he argues that self-reliance was still very plausible as despite capitalism/industrialisation taking away the chances to be self-reliant, individuals would simply be challenged more rigorously.
Smiles believed that if the state was to help, human’s liberty would be ‘squandered’
