Liberalism Keywords Flashcards
What is Classical Liberalism?
A political ideology that favours the protection of individual liberty and economic freedom by limiting government power – began in the 17th century.
What does Economy refer to?
The way in which goods and services are made, sold, and used in a country or area.
What is the role of the Enabling State?
The role of the state is to enable people to be free due to equality of opportunity.
What is Egotistical Individualism?
The idea that individual freedom is associated with self-interest and self-reliance.
What is Equality of opportunity?
Individuals are provided with an equal chance in life regardless of social class, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality or religion.
What does Formal equality mean?
The idea that all individuals have the same legal and political rights in society.
What is Foundational equality?
The view that we are all born with equal entitlement i.e. there are alienable rights of man – and these cannot be taken away.
Who is Friedan?
A key 20th century liberal feminist.
What is the Harm Principle?
The idea that the actions of individuals should only be limited to prevent harm to other individuals.
What is Human Nature?
The natural qualities and ways of behaviour that most people have.
What is Ideology?
A set of opinions or beliefs of a group or an individual.
What is Keynesianism?
Liberal economic theory that states governments are able to influence the economy without impacting of peoples’ freedoms.
Who is Locke?
The foundational thinker of Liberalism. Had a positive view of human nature. His ideas were developed in the 17th century.
What is Laissez-faire capitalism?
An economic system, organised by the market, where goods are produced for exchange and profit, and wealth is privately owned.
What does Limited Government mean?
The idea that state institutions should be as restricted by a constitution.
What is the Mechanistic theory?
The state is akin to an artificial machine and is created by individuals with the express purpose to protect their freedoms.
What is Meritocracy?
A society whereby jobs and pay are allocated based on an individual’s talent and achievements rather than social status.
Who is Mill?
Nineteenth century Liberal thinker who developed the ‘harm Principle’.
What is the Minimal State?
The idea that the government influence should be as small as possible.
What is Modern Liberalism?
An ideology which promoted an active government as the best guardian of liberty; both theoretical liberty and effective liberty.
What is Negative Freedom?
Freedom from government and restrictive laws.
What is Neo-Liberalism?
Political and economic philosophy that emphasizes free trade, deregulation, globalization, and a reduction in government spending.
What is Positive Freedom?
Being enabled and supported in such a way as to take control of one’s life and realize one’s fundamental purposes.
Who is Rawls?
Modern Liberal thinker who based freedom on a ‘fair society’.
What is Rationalism?
The idea that humans are thoughtful, and act based on reason.
What is the Social contract?
The invisible contract between the people and the state.
What is Society?
A community or group of people having common traditions, institutions, and interests.
What is the Separation of powers?
When ‘the state’s’ power is split between equal and supporting parts (often the executive/legislative and the judiciary).
What is Social justice?
Justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.
What is State?
The community formed by people and exercising permanent power within a specified territory.
Who is Wollstonecraft?
The 18th century Classical Liberal and feminist.
