Liberalism key thinkers

Question 1

John Locke

Answer 1

Society - predates the state, natural societies with natural laws and rights

State - must be representative and based on the consent of the governed

Human Nature - Humans are rational, guided by self interest but concerned for others

Economy - should respect the right to private property

Question 2

Mary Wollstonecraft

Answer 2

Society - society ‘infantilised’ women and thus stifled female individualism

State - the monarchical state should be replaced with a republic which enshrines women’s rights

Human Nature - Humans are rational

Economy - a free market economy would be energised by liberated women

Question 3

John Stuart (J.S.) Mill

Answer 3

Society - best society where individuality co-exists with tolerance and self improvement

State - should proceed cautiously towards representative democracy, mindful of minority rights

Human Nature - rational but not fixed

Economy - Laissez-faire capitalism is vital to progress individual enterprise and initiative

Question 4

Betty Freidan

Answer 4

Society - chauvinistic towards women but they were complicit in their repression

State - should legislate to prevent continued discrimination against women

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

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

Question 5

John Rawls

Answer 5

Society - most people would choose a society where the condition of the poorest improved

State - should enable less fortunate individuals to advance via public spending and public services

Human Nature - mankind is selfish yet empathetic, valuing both individual liberty and the plight of those around them

Economy - Free-market capitalism should be tempered to advance its poorest citizens