Liberalism Key Terms Flashcards
What are the 2 types of individualism
Developmental and Egoistical
Define Egoistical individualism
- People are self-seeking and self-reliant,
- society is merely a collection of independent individuals (classical liberals)
Define developmental individualism
the view that individual freedom is linked to the desire to create a fair society (modern liberals)
Define freedom and liberty
Ability and right to make decisions in one’s own self-interest
Liberal view of the state
-‘necessary evil’
-‘necessary’ to avoid disorder, but ‘evil’ as it has potential to remove individual liberty, thus should be
limited
Define rationalism
-belief that humans are rational creatures, capable of reason and logic
Define equality/social justice
-the belief that individuals are of equal value and that they should be treated impartially and fairly by society
Define Foundational equality
Rights that humans have when being born
Define equality of opportunity
-idea that all individuals should have equal chances in life to rise and fall
Define Meritocracy
-a society organised on the basis that success is based on ability and hard work
Define meritocracy
-a society organised on the basis that success is based on ability and hard work
define qualities of a liberal democracy (3)
- free elections to give expression to the will of the people
- limitations on the power of the state
- respect for civil liberties and toleration of different viewpoints.
define a social contract
-agreement shared by everyone in a
society in which they give up some freedom in return for security