Liberalism: New Flashcards:
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What does foundational equality mean?
A belief that all people are born with natural rights that entitle them to liberty, the pursuit of happiness and avoidance of pain.
In a liberal state this means the rule of law where all people are treated equally under the law.
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what does egoistical individualism mean?
The belief that individual freedom is associated with a rational sense of self reliance and self interest (people are able to make decisions for themselves).
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What does developmental individualism mean?
Both classical and modern liberals think that people must help themselves to improve.
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What does formal equality mean?
Similar to foundational equality.
It includes equality under the law bit also the principle that every individual is entitled to equal treatment in society.
It also includes the idea of equality of opportunity and the abolition of social differences such as gender equality.
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What does social contract mean?
The state is based on a contract between the government and the people.
Government agrees to make itself accountable to the people and to operate within the law while the people should agree to obey the laws and uphold the security of the state.
(The people give power to the state to let them rule and in return the people obey laws).
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What does limited government mean?
Limited government means that governments should be restricted by laws and constitutions (means that gov cant just do whatever they like)
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What does laissez faire capitalism mean?
An idea about the role of the state within a capitalist economy, which proposes that capitalism and wealth creation are enhanced if the state doesnt intervene with market for goods, services and labour.
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What does capitalism mean?
An economic system in which means of production of goods, services are privately owned and operated for profit.
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What does constitutionalism mean?
The belief that a governments authority is determined by a body of laws or a constitution.
e.g. An example of this is the US constitution. A government has to abide by the US constitution and everything that they do has to be backed by the US constitution.
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What does the harm principle mean?
The idea that the state is justified in interfering with people’s freedom when it is to prevent some citizens doing harm to others
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What does minimal state mean?
A concept associated with classical liberalism and modern liberalism.
It suggests that in a free society the state must be strongly controlled and should have a minimal breadth of functions that they can perform.
If the state has too many functions it is likely to interfere with liberties. This concept is also associated with lassiez- faire capitalism
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What does enabling state mean?
A state that doesnt necessarily provide for people directly but creates the conditions where people can help themselves
e.g. education - if you do well in education you will do well in life.
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What does equality of opportunity mean?
All liberals accept that inequality is inevitable in a free society.
Modern liberal’s argue for equality of opportunity (everyone can have a chance and is put on the same playing field) by enabling all citizens to have access to education and for society to be truly meritocratic
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What does Keynesianism mean?
A system of economic management where the state (government) directly intervenes to stimulate the economy to achieve full employment and economic growth
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What does tolerance mean?
Requires a willingness to accept the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.
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What does the mechanistic theory of the state mean?
The idea that the state is not organic but was created by individuals to serve them and act in their interests.
Classical and modern liberals differ in their definitions of what these best interests are
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What is the divine right of kings?
Political and religious idea that asserts that a monarch’s authority comes from God rather than the consent of the people.
(God chose the king to have that position).
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What does state of nature mean?
Refers to the hypothetical condition of humans before the establishment of organised society or government
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What does natural law mean?
A set of moral rules that are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason e.g. it is wrong to kill or steal.
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What does natural rights mean?
Rights that every person is believed to have simply by being human They don’t depend of a personals background or societal status e.g. life, liberty and property.
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What is negative freedom?
Freedom from interference or coercion by others, especially the government. It’s the freedom to act however you choose as long as you’re not infringing on others’ rights.
‘FREEDOM FROM’
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What is positive freedom?
The freedom to actually realise one’s potential and make meaningful choices.
It’s about having the capacity and opportunity to act in ways that are fulfilling and in line with one’s true self.
‘FREEDOM TO’
Key word:
What are classical liberals?
Classical liberals advocate for individual freedom, limited government, free markets, and the protection of private property.
They believe government should protect natural rights (life, liberty, and property) but have limited power.
What do classical liberals believe?
Classical liberals support economic freedom, equality before the law (rule of law), and believe in a minimal state to safeguard individual rights.
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What does modern liberals mean?
Modern liberals support government intervention to promote social equality, protect individual rights, and reduce inequality.
They favour policies like welfare programs, economic regulation, and civil rights protections.
What do modern liberals believe?
They believe the state should play a role in ensuring fairness and justice, differing from classical liberals who prioritise minimal government and free-market capitalism.
Features of liberalism:
What are the features of classical liberalism? e.g. social contract
Locke believed that governments are formed through a social contract, where individuals consent to be governed in exchange for the protection of their natural rights.
The state’s authority comes from this consent, and it must remain accountable to the people.
If the government fails to protect these rights, Locke argued that the people have the right to overthrow it.
Features of liberalism:
What are the features of classical liberalism? e.g. foundational equality
Locke believed in foundational equality - that is that all people are born with natural rights which include freedom from unnecessary influence by the state.
Wollstonecraft - this idea should extent to women e.g. women should have freedom and education. Men and women should be treated equally under the law.
ALL CLASSICAL LIBERALS ARGUE FOR TOLERANCE IN SOCIETY.
Features of liberalism:
What are the features of classical liberalism? e.g. negative freedom
Locke and Mill argued that the highest form of freedom is negative freedom or freedom from constraint.
Locke - believes that he highest form of freedom, is the ability to live without gov interference with the government’s role limited to protecting individuals’ inherent natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
Mill - Individuals should be free from state intervention in most aspects of their lives, as long as their actions do not harm others (the harm principle).
Features of liberalism:
What are the features of classical liberalism? e.g. laissez-faire economics
Liberals advocate for an economic system where the government does not interfere in business activities.
They believe in a free market where businesses and individuals are free to operate without restrictions or government-imposed tariffs, taxes, or subsidies.
Mill- supports laissez-faire capitalism, believing in minimal government interference to promote individual freedom and economic competition. However, he argued for government intervention in cases where capitalism caused social harm.
Key word:
What is rugged individualism?
Rugged individualism emphasizes personal responsibility and self-reliance, where individuals are free to pursue their interests without interference.
Features of liberalism:
What are the features of classical liberalism? e.g. rugged individualism
Locke believed in natural rights (life, liberty, and property), asserting that the government’s role is to protect these rights, not control personal choices.
Mill also supported individual freedom, arguing that people should be free to make decisions as long as they do not harm others, with personal responsibility being key to personal and social development.
Features of liberalism:
What are the features of classical liberalism? e.g. representative democracy
Locke - believed that government should protect natural rights (life, liberty, and property) through a social contract, advocating for a limited government that reflects the will of the people while safeguarding individual rights.
Mill - supported representative democracy as crucial for protecting liberty and promoting social progress, emphasising the need for educated, informed participation and guarding against the tyranny of the majority
Features of liberalism:
What are the features of modern liberalism? e.g. foundational equality
Rawls’ - argues that inequalities in society should only exist if they benefit the least advantaged believing the idea of fairness and ensures that societal structures promote equality and improve the conditions of the most disadvantaged.
Friedan - advocated for foundational equality promoting equal rights and freedoms for women and men, challenging traditional gender roles and career opportunities. Her work aimed to break down barriers to achieve gender equality.
Features of liberalism:
What are the features of modern liberalism? e.g. positive freedom
Friedan - focuses on freedom from restrictive gender roles, arguing that women should have the freedom to pursue careers and personal fulfilment outside traditional roles (being a mother and a wife)
Rawls - argues the importance of providing equal opportunities and resources for all, especially the least advantaged, so everyone can pursue their goals and live a fulfilling life.
Features of liberalism:
What are the features of modern liberalism? e.g. the enabling state
Friedan - argues for an enabling state that empowers women and breaks down gender-based barriers, providing social support to ensure women can fully participate in society.
Rawls - argues for a comprehensive enabling state that ensures justice as fairness, providing equal opportunities, to ensure the least advantaged have the resources and opportunities to succeed.
Features of liberalism:
What are the features of modern liberalism? e.g. Keynesian economics
Friedan - supports Keynesian economics for promoting gender equality and providing economic opportunities for women (meaning that they can work) e.g. childcare and welfare.
Rawls - supports Keynesian economics for its focus on redistributing wealth and reducing inequalities believing that inequalities caused by the wealthy should benefit the least advantaged.
