Liberalism Key Thinkers Flashcards
John Locke view on human nature
Human Beings are rational, guided by the pursuit of self-interest, but mindful of others’ concerns.
John Locke’s view on the state
The state must be representative, based on the consent of the governed
John Locke’s view on society
Society predates the state: there were ‘natural’ societies with natural rights.
John Locke’s view on the economy
State policy should respect the ‘natural right’ to private property and arbitrate effectively between individuals competing for free trade and resources
Mary Wollstonecraft View on human nature
Rationalism defines both genders: intellectually, men and women are not very different
Mary Wollstonecraft view on the state
The monarchical state should be replaced by a republic which enshrines women’s rights
Mary Wollstonecraft’s view on society
society ‘infantilised’ women and thus stifled female individualism
Mary Wollstonecraft’s view on the economy
A free-market economy would be energised by the enterprise of liberated women
John Stuart Mill’s view on Human nature
Though fundamentally rational, human nature is not fixed: it is forever progressing to a higher level
John Stuart Mill’s view on the state
The state should proceed cautiously towards representivave democracy, mindful of minority rights
Joh Stuart Mill’s view on society
the best society was one where ‘individality’ co-existed with tolerance and self-improvement
John Stuart Mill’s view on the economy
liaises-faire capitalism was vital to progress individual enterprise and individual initiative
Joh Rawls view on human nature
Mankind is selfish yet empathetic, valuing both individual liberty and the plight of those around them
John Rawls view on the state
The state should enable less fortunate individuals to advance via public spending and public services
John Rawls view on society
The society most individuals would choose would be one where the condition of the poorest improved
John Rawls view on the economy
Free market capitalism should be tempered by the states obligation to advance its poorest citizens
Betty Friedan’s view on human nature
Human nature has evolved in a way that discourages self-advancement among women
Betty Friedan’s view on the state
The state should legislate to prevent continued discrimination against female individuals
Betty Friedan’s view on society
Society remained chauvinistic towards women, though women were complicit in ther repression
Betty Friedan’s view on the economy
Free-market capitalism could be an ally of female emancipation, if allied to legislation precluding sexual discrimination
John Locke birth and death
1632
1704
Mary Wollstonecraft birth and death
1759
1797
Jon Stuart Mill Bertha nd death
1806
1873
John Rawls birth and death
1921
2002
Betty Friedan’s birth and death
1921
2006
John Locke’s book
Two treatises of government 1690
Mary Wollstonecraft books
A vindication on the rights of man 1790
A vindication on the rights of woman 1972
John Stuart Mills book
On liberty 1859
John Rawls’ Book
A theory of justice 1971
Betty Friedan’s book
The Feminine Mystique 1963
What are the 2 main types of Liberalism
Classical liberalism
Modern liberalism
Classical vs Modern Human nature
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
Classical vs Modern Society
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’
Classical vs Modern the state
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.
Classical vs Modern the economy
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.
