liberalist key thinkers

Question 1

Lock

Answer 1

human nature:
- humans are guided by self interest, but also concerned for others
state:
- limited government
- protects rights
society:
- natural laws precede the state
economy:
- private property is a natural right

Question 2

Wollstonecraft

Answer 2

human nature:
-men and women both capable of rational thought
state:
- republican state to replace monarchical state to give women the vote
society:
- society restricts female individualism and infantilises them
economy:
- women would enrich the economy

Question 3

Mill

Answer 3

human nature:
- humans are born rational
- can progress
state:
- representative democracy
minority rights
society:
- individuality can co exist with tolerance and self improvement
economy:
- laissez faire economics - individual initiative and progress

Question 4

Rawls

Answer 4

human nature:
- humans are naturally selfish but also have sympathy for those less fortunate
state:
- enabling state should assist individuals to reach full potential
society:
- ‘veil of ignorance’
economy:
- state obligation to disadvantaged citizen would temper free market capitalism

Question 5

Freidan

Answer 5

human nature:
- human nature is naturally patriarchal and discriminatory
state:
- state intervention to prevent discrimination against women
society:
- society is in need of reform due to patriarchy
economy:
- economy would be enriched by women’s involvement and legislation should stop discrimination against women in the workplace