Liberalism - Topic 3 Flashcards
The key ideas from key liberal thinkers
1
Q
What were the views of John Locke?
On human nature, the state, the economy and society
Classical Liberal
A
Human nature
- Humans are guided by self-interest by are concerned for others
The state
- The state should only govern by consent
The economy
- Private property is a nautral right and the state’s role is merely to arbitrate between individuals competing for trade and resources
Society
- Natural laws and natural rights of society predate the state
2
Q
What were the views of Mary Wollstonecraft?
On human nature, the state, the economy and society
Feminist Classical Liberal
A
Human nature
- Both men and women are capable of rational thought
The state
- Monarchical states should be replaced by republican states that entrench women’s rights
The economy
- Liberated women would thrive in and enhance the free-market economy
Society
- Society ‘infantilised’ women and this inhibited female individualism
3
Q
What were the views of J.S. Mill?
On human nature, the state, the economy and society
Classical-Modern Liberal
A
Human nature
- Human nature is rational but not fixed and is capable of progressing to higher levels
The state
- The state should be a representative democracy and be mindful of minority rights
The economy
- Laissez-faire capitalism promotes both individuals initiative and progress
Society
- Individuality should coexist with tolerance and self-improvement
4
Q
What were the views of John Rawls?
On human nature, the state, the economy and society
Modern Liberal
A
Human nature
- Humans can be selfish and value individual freedom. However, they’re sympathetic to those less fortunate than them
The state
- An enabling state will assist developmental individualism via public spending on services
The economy
- The state’s obligation to disadvantaged citizens would temper free-market capitalism
Society
- Rawls’ rationalistic ‘veil of ignorance’ argued that individuals would choose a society that offered opportunities for the less fortunate to improve their condition
5
Q
What were the views of Betty Friedan?
On human nature, the state, the economy and society
Feminist Modern Liberal
A
Human nature
- Culture has evolved so that human nature is patriarchal and discriminatory towards women
The state
- The state should intervene in the public sphere to prevent discrimination against women
The economy
- Liberated women would thrive in and enhance the free-market. Legislation must prevent women being discriminated against in the workplace
Society
- Society is patriarchal and needs reforming
