Origins of Liberalism Flashcards
Which movement did Liberalism come out of?
Enlightenment
What was the Enlightenment?
An intellectual movement that emerged in the mid 17th century and had a profound effect in politics as it influenced the French Revolution of 1789
What belief was the Enlightenment defined by?
A belief in reason rather than faith
What did the Enlightenment promote?
Relentless debate and inquiry
Questioning and scrutinizing almost anything that was unthinkingly accepted
What radical idea emerged from the enlightenment?
The idea that each individual is someone with free will, and that each individual is the best judge of their own interests
Which key thinker began to question the relationship between individuals and government?
John Locke
During the 17th century, why was questioning the government seen as revolutionary potential?
The natural form of government was the monarch who ruled entirely by a doctrine called the “Divine Right of Kings”
What is the Divine Right of Kings?
Kings are given their position and authority by God
What did Enlightenment philosophers argue was logical for humans to do?
Human beings should create a political system upon reason
State the core beliefs of liberalism
Individualism
Freedom/Liberty
Reason
Justice
Toleration
What is meant by individualism?
The idea that freedom of thought and action for each person is the most important quality of a society, rather than shared effort and responsibility
What is meant by freedom/liberty?
The condition or right of being able or allowed to do, say, think, etc. whatever you want to, without being controlled or limited
What is meant by reason?
To try to understand and to make judgments based on practical facts
What is meant by justice?
Fairness in the way people are dealt with
What is meant by toleration?
Willingness to accept behaviour and beliefs that are different from your own, although you might not agree with or approve of them
