Liberalism Key Words Flashcards
Mechanistic theory
Lin’ed to the writings of John Locke this argues that mankind is rational and therefore capable of devising a state that reflects mankind’s needs. It was a pointed rebuff to notions like the divine rights of kings which argued that the state reflected God’s will and that obedience to the state was a religious duty.
Egotistical individualism
Linked to early (classical) liberalism this denotes a belief that human beings are naturally drawn to the advancement of their own, selfish interests and pursuit of their own happiness. It’s proponents, citing mankind’s concurrent rationalism, deny this leads to conflict or gross insensitivity.
Economic liberalism
This is another term for capitalism, an economic system that emerged in the late 16th century.
- liberal aspect of capitalism stems from a few aspects.
- Private property- early liberals like John Locke considered a “natural like”.
- It is individualistic in theory, involving individual traders cooperating and competing.
- ultimate benefit to all thus revealing liberalism eternal optimism and belief in progress.
State of nature
Philosophical device used by Hobbes and Locke to justify the very different types of political state they were proposing. It referred to what like might have been before laws, formal rules and government coming to being
Social contract
Linked to enlightenment philosophers such as Locke and Rousseau this denotes that the state should be a ‘deal’ between the government and the governed. It states that I’m return for submitting to the state’s laws, the governed should be guaranteed certain rights and that, if these rights are violated, so is the citizens obligation to obey the state’s laws
Tolerance/ harm principle
Within liberalism these twin terms refer to the belief that particular views and activities particularly those we might frown upon- should be tolerated, just as long as they do not ‘harm the freedom of others. Both concepts are strongly linked to the liberal view of individual freedom.
Foundational equality
This refers to the liberal belief that every individual is born equal, with equal and natural with equal natural rights. Such individuals are therefore entitled to legal equality in a liberal state. This would involve equality before the law and an equal recognition of individual rights.
Equality of opportunity
Liberals believe that individuals should have equal oppourtunities in order to maximise their potential.
Liberals believe that this does not necessarily exist alongside greater equality of outcome
Limited government
‘Limited’ in terms of how it can act by constitutional formal rules and procedures. It is therefore the opposite of arbitrary rule, as practised in medical, monarchial states.
Laissez-afire capitalism
Based on a liberal perspective in private property, and the classical belief in ‘negative’ liberty this is an economic system which allows private enterprise and capitalism to operate with little or no inference from the state.
Negative liberty
A key feature of classical liberalism this is a notion of freedom that involves individuals being left alone to pursue their destiny. Any attempt to interfere with individual actions may therefore be judged an infringement of liberty
Minimal state
- feature of classical liberalism
- concept of ‘negative liberty’ by minimising state activities for example legislating and taxing as infrequently as possible while confine its range to areas such as defence and the protection of private property.
Development individualism
This relates to the liberal philosophy of John Stuart Mill who wished to focus on what individuals could become rather than what they had become. It explained Mill’s strong emphasis upon the value of formal education within a liberal society.
Positive freedom
Belief that individuals are left alone are inhibited rather than ‘free’. Such individuals may need enabling so that they are ‘free’ to exercise their individual talents.
Enabling state
Linked to the notion of positive liberty an enabling state was one that extended its activities so as ‘liberate’ individuals from restrictive social and economy problems, thus ‘enabling them to fulfil their potential.
