Liberalism views on Human nature and the state

Question 1

What do all liberals agree about Human nature?

Answer 1

All liberals believe that individuals are generally rational, intelligent, keen to prioritise their individual happiness and fulfilment.

Humans are respectful of other individuals too.

Question 2

Classical liberal view on human nature?

Answer 2

Classical liberals such as John Locke think that humans are innately blessed with such qualities such as intelligence, rationality and happiness they are innate, come from birth.

Question 3

Modern Liberal view on human nature?

Answer 3

Modern liberals like John Rawls like to think that these qualities such as intelligence aren’t innate but instead such qualities are potential features of human nature that are needing to be developed.

Question 4

John Locke view on human nature?

Answer 4

Humans are rational, they are guided by the pursuit of self-interest, but they are mindful of others.

Question 5

Mary Wollstonecraft view on human nature?

Answer 5

Rationalism defines both genders intellectually, men and women are not very different.

Question 6

John Stuart mill view on human nature?

Answer 6

Though humans are fundamentally rational, human nature is not fixed it is forever progressing to a higher level.

Question 7

John Rawls view on human nature?

Answer 7

Mankind is selfish yet empathetic, valuing both individual liberty and the plight of those around them.

Question 8

Betty Friedan view on human nature?

Answer 8

Human nature has evolved in a way that has discouraged the self-advancement of women.

Question 9

What concept do modern liberals endorse when it comes to the ideas of human nature?

Answer 9

Modern Liberal endorse JSM concept of individuality - one that refers to what individuals could become, once they are enabled to fulfil their potential.

Question 10

How do all liberals agree on the State?

Answer 10

All liberals agree that the state should function according to prearranged rules and procedures, with power fragmented and authority subject to the consent of the governed.

Question 11

What is the dividing line about that state?

Answer 11

Liberals disagree on the extent of State activity and how democratic the state should be.

Question 12

What do classical liberals think about state activity?

Answer 12

Classical liberals such as mill, in accordance with ‘negative liberty’ believe that state intervention should be minimal and individuals should be left unchecked [unless they are harming another person].

Question 13

Negative liberty =

Answer 13

Notion of freedom that involves individuals being left alone to pursue their own destiny. Any attempt to interfere with this can be classed as an infringement of their liberty.

Question 14

What state do classical liberals think it should be?

Answer 14

‘Nightwatchmen state’

Question 15

‘Nightwatchmen state’ = ?

Answer 15

State should only be involved in law and order

Question 16

What do Modern liberals think about state activity?

Answer 16

Modern liberals such as Betty Friedan believe that the state should play a larger role in accordance with the belief of ‘positive liberty’.

State intervention is necessary as as to ‘enable’ individuals to reach their potential.

Question 17

‘Positive liberty’ =

Answer 17

Individuals who are left alone are often inhibited rather than ‘free’. Such individuals may need enabling so that they are ‘free’ to exercise their individual talents.

Question 18

What do classical liberals think about democracy?

Answer 18

Democracy is a threat to property rights

Question 19

What do modern liberals think about democracy?

Answer 19

They are satisfied that representative democracy enhances constitutional government.

Question 20

John Locke view on the State?

Answer 20

The state must be representative, based on the consent of the governed [electorate].

Question 21

Mary Wellstone craft view on the state?

Answer 21

The monarchical state should be replaced by a republic which enshrines women’s rights.

Question 22

John Stuart Mill view on the state?

Answer 22

The state should proceed cautiously towards representative democracy whilst being mindful of minority rights.

Question 23

John Rawls view on the state?

Answer 23

The state should enable less fortunate individuals to advance via public spending and public services.

Question 24

Betty Friedan view on human nature?

Answer 24

The state should legislate to prevent continued discrimination against female individuals.

Question 25

What is one key idea that all Liberals agree on when it comes to the state?

Answer 25

Rejection of the Monarchial state, they prefer a meritocratic state.