Liberalism Key Thinkers

Question 1

John Locke view on human nature

Answer 1

Human Beings are rational, guided by the pursuit of self-interest, but mindful of others’ concerns.

Question 2

John Locke’s view on the state

Answer 2

The state must be representative, based on the consent of the governed

Question 3

John Locke’s view on society

Answer 3

Society predates the state: there were ‘natural’ societies with natural rights.

Question 4

John Locke’s view on the economy

Answer 4

State policy should respect the ‘natural right’ to private property and arbitrate effectively between individuals competing for free trade and resources

Question 5

Mary Wollstonecraft View on human nature

Answer 5

Rationalism defines both genders: intellectually, men and women are not very different

Question 6

Mary Wollstonecraft view on the state

Answer 6

The monarchical state should be replaced by a republic which enshrines women’s rights

Question 7

Mary Wollstonecraft’s view on society

Answer 7

society ‘infantilised’ women and thus stifled female individualism

Question 8

Mary Wollstonecraft’s view on the economy

Answer 8

A free-market economy would be energised by the enterprise of liberated women

Question 9

John Stuart Mill’s view on Human nature

Answer 9

Though fundamentally rational, human nature is not fixed: it is forever progressing to a higher level

Question 10

John Stuart Mill’s view on the state

Answer 10

The state should proceed cautiously towards representivave democracy, mindful of minority rights

Question 11

Joh Stuart Mill’s view on society

Answer 11

the best society was one where ‘individality’ co-existed with tolerance and self-improvement

Question 12

John Stuart Mill’s view on the economy

Answer 12

liaises-faire capitalism was vital to progress individual enterprise and individual initiative

Question 13

Joh Rawls view on human nature

Answer 13

Mankind is selfish yet empathetic, valuing both individual liberty and the plight of those around them

Question 14

John Rawls view on the state

Answer 14

The state should enable less fortunate individuals to advance via public spending and public services

Question 15

John Rawls view on society

Answer 15

The society most individuals would choose would be one where the condition of the poorest improved

Question 16

John Rawls view on the economy

Answer 16

Free market capitalism should be tempered by the states obligation to advance its poorest citizens

Question 17

Betty Friedan’s view on human nature

Answer 17

Human nature has evolved in a way that discourages self-advancement among women

Question 18

Betty Friedan’s view on the state

Answer 18

The state should legislate to prevent continued discrimination against female individuals

Question 19

Betty Friedan’s view on society

Answer 19

Society remained chauvinistic towards women, though women were complicit in ther repression

Question 20

Betty Friedan’s view on the economy

Answer 20

Free-market capitalism could be an ally of female emancipation, if allied to legislation precluding sexual discrimination

Question 21

John Locke birth and death

Answer 21

1632

1704

Question 22

Mary Wollstonecraft birth and death

Answer 22

1759

1797

Question 23

Jon Stuart Mill Bertha nd death

Answer 23

1806

1873

Question 24

John Rawls birth and death

Answer 24

1921

2002

Question 25

Betty Friedan’s birth and death

Answer 25

1921

2006

Question 26

John Locke’s book

Answer 26

Two treatises of government 1690

Question 27

Mary Wollstonecraft books

Answer 27

A vindication on the rights of man 1790

A vindication on the rights of woman 1972

Question 28

John Stuart Mills book

Answer 28

On liberty 1859

Question 29

John Rawls’ Book

Answer 29

A theory of justice 1971

Question 30

Betty Friedan’s book

Answer 30

The Feminine Mystique 1963

Question 31

What are the 2 main types of Liberalism

Answer 31

Classical liberalism

Modern liberalism

Question 32

Classical vs Modern Human nature

Answer 32

All believe that individuals are generally rational, intelligent, keen to prioritise their individual happiness and fulfilment and respectful of other individuals’ wish to do the same.

classical liberals - believe that individuals are innately blessed with such qualities.

Modern liberals - believe that such qualities are potential features of human nature to be developed by enlightened liberal authorities (Like JS mill’s idea that individuals could become, once ‘enabled’ to fulfil their potential

Question 33

Classical vs Modern Society

Answer 33

All - see society as a collection of diverse and potentially autonomous individuals seeking self-determination, self realisation and self fulfilment.

Classical liberals - human society predates the state

Modern liberals - industrialised and urban societies are those where individuals are less autonomous and therefore require state support to be free ‘positive liberty’

Question 34

Classical vs Modern the state

Answer 34

All - the state should function according to prearranged rules and procedures with power fragmented and authority subject to the consent of the governed

Classical - in accordance with ‘negative’ liberty, state intervention should be minimal and individuals left unchecked (unless they hamper the freedom of others). Saw democracy as a threat to property rights.

Modern - in accordance with ‘positive’ liberty, state intervention should be much more extensive so as to ‘enable’ individuals to reach their potential. Satisfied that representative democracy enhances constitutional government.

Question 35

Classical vs Modern the economy

Answer 35

All - following Locke’s assertion that property is a ‘natural right’, the economy should be based on private property and private enterprise

Classical and Neo - support Adam smith’s thesis (that the state should adopt a aliases-faire attitude to the economy

Modern - ‘managed’ capitalism also explains its support for super national organisations like the EU which many neo-liberals see as a obstacle to global free trade.