philosophers and Princibles of Collectivism and Individualsm Flashcards
What are the characteristics of Thomas Hobbes?
Humans are inherently greedy, selfish and dangerous. Strong/absolute leadership is needed to maintain the peace and prosperity of a society and to prevent chaos. Without a strong leader, life is likely to be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”
What are the characteristics of John Locke?
People are inherently good. The role of government is to protect the lives of citizens, as well as their rights and liberties** (life liberty and land)**. Any additional government would be considered a detriment to the common good
What are the characteristics of JJ Rousseau?
Humans are generally good but have been corrupted by society. There is no need for a formal government if citizens are willing to enter a general social contract (an unspoken agreement where all citizens willingly and automatically live and work in ways that contribute to the common good).
What are the characteristics of John Stuart Mill?
believed people should be free. Wanted limited government control to prevent violation of speech, religion, and association. Would have considered the rights of the individual to be crucial to the establishment of the common good.
Free speech is necessary for intellectual progress.
What are the characteristics of Baron de Montesquieu?
Wanted to prevent one ruler from unchecked power. He believed in splitting up government into three branches. Legislative (laws) judicial (evaluates laws) and executive (carries out laws).
What are the characteristics of Adam Smith?
Believed that people act in their self-interest and that governments should be sure that contracts are followed and have some (but very few) public works.
Difference between Tommy Douglas, Milton Friedman and Ovide Mercredi?
Tommy Douglas - Born equal, gov intervention → equality & cooperation
Milton Friedman - individualism, people are better off without gov control, self-interest → benefiting society
Ovide Mercredi (indigenous) - Believes in the collective good, works within traditional values, gov control is not the way to get there.
What is the Rule of law? Is it a principle of Individualism or collectivism?
A group of laws that everyone follows
Individualism
What are Individual rights and freedoms? Is it a principle of Individualism or collectivism?
A variety of rights are given to a population.
Individualism
What is private property? Is it a principle of Individualism or collectivism?
The ownership of land, possessions & intellectual property
Individualism
What is economic freedom? Is it a principle of Individualism or collectivism?
Freedom to buy, sell, work on an idea or product, and to work for whoever you wish.
Individualism
What is self-interest? Is it a principle of Individualism or collectivism?
The belief that people act to benefit themselves.
Individualism
What is Competition? Is it a principle of Individualism or collectivism?
Fighting over a resource or market.
Individualism
What is economic equality? Is it a principle of Individualism or collectivism?
Policies that try to even out wealth in society.
Collectivism
What is Cooperation? Is it a principle of Individualism or collectivism?
Working together to achieve common goals.
