origins of liberalism Flashcards
where did liberalism come from?
-the protestant reformation kickstarted liberalism
-people rejected the pope’s rule and wanted an unmediated relationship with god
-the enlightenment -extended from religious to secular individualism
-intellectual movement mid 1600s - people began introducing rational thought to discoveries
-diderot created the 1st encyclopedia - this increased literacy and scientific rational explanations were used rather than folklore
what’s mechanistic theory?
-because human beings are rational, they can build a state that best meets their needs and wants
-it rejects the notion of a divine right and that the state should reflect god’s wishes
-believes obedience to the monarch is irrational
-the political system must be based on reason rather than tradition or superstition
