Liberalism - key terms Flashcards
Enlightenment.
The period in time stemming from the 17th-18th century in which the thinkers believed to be illuminating human intellect and culture following the ‘dark’ middle ages.
Egotistical Individualism.
The individual is only concerned with advancing their own self interest in their pursuit of happiness.
Negative Freedom.
Freedom from external institutions which may prohibit the advancement of individual thought and allowing the individual to pursue their own destiny hence forth infringing upon their liberty.
‘Night watchman’ State.
A state in which it’s one obligation is that of protecting the civil liberties of its citizens and ensuring that individuals do not come to harm.
Social Contract.
A persons moral/political obligations should be dependent on a contract signed between individuals in formation of their society.
Constitutionalism.
A government deriving from and therefore being limited by a fundamental set of laws.
State of Nature.
The natural condition of mankind without governments, laws, civilisation and common power restraints.
Devine Right.
The right of a monarch deriving from God which allows for them to be all powerful enlightenment era revolts fought against this, e.g. the French Revolution.
Republicanism.
Synthesis between nationalism and popular democracy.
Tradition.
An atypical way in which life has been carried out for a long period of time.
developmental Individualism.
The individual being able to advance.
Positive freedom.
the capacity to be able to act upon ones free will.
Equality of Opportunity.
Too easy.
Free Market Capitalism.
The lack of regulations on the market within a society which promotes the right to liberties, individualism and positive freedom.
Foundational Equality.
everybody is born equal with equal entitlement and the same inalienable right as one another.
