modern liberalism Flashcards
J.S Mill and the state
- an enabling state to help individuals attain developmental individualism
- positive freedom
- he also agreed with John Locke’s government by consent
what is J.S Mills harm principle?
the idea that individuals are free to do whatever, as long as they didn’t harm others
(e.g they are tolerant of drug taking as long as it doesn’t harm others)
what idd John Rawls say about individualism in society?
- society is not born equal, some have innate advantages/disadvantages
- John Rawls: ones race, gender or social class determines whether someone succeeds/ fails in society
what is positive freedom?
the principle that the government intervene to play a role to assist individuals. for example, a state funded educational system (enabling state) to help individuals thrive
J.S Mill and self regarding and other regarding actions
‘self regarding actions’ (religion, freedom of speech etc) should be tolerated by others BUT
‘other regarding actions’ (violent/riotous behaviours) should not be tolerated by the state
what is an enabling state?
a state that doesn’t provide for people directly but they allow people to help themselves (state funded education) - a hand up
what is T.H Greens ‘equality of opportunity’?
T.H Green, and it is the use of the welfare state to give everyone an equal opportunity to thrive in society.
modern liberals and the economy
they believe in Keynesian economics, which is when the state dealing with the economy
what is the Beveridge Report?
it was the introduction of welfare benefits at the expense of working people paying a weekly contribution to fund it
why didn’t modern liberals like foundational equality with a minimal government? (unlike classical)
they believed that foundational equality alone wouldn’t guarantee true social justice, and that a welfare state is needed
what is meritocracy?
the idea that those with greater abilities/work ethics deserve more than those who aren’t
The Liberal Reforms 1906-1912:
- Old age pensions act
- National Insurance Act 1912
- National Insurance Act 1911
- the peoples budget
when are you eligible for the old age pensions act?
when you have lived in the country for at least 20 years
The peoples budget:
increased taxes on the wealthy and introduced tax from selling land
what 4 factors did the Beveridge Report aim to improve? (WISI)
WANT: extreme poverty
IGNORANCE: due to a lack of formal education
SQUALOR: poor living conditions
IDLENESS: exacerbated by unemployment
