Principles Flashcards
what is the main aim of liberalism
Protect individual freedom
key principles
- Freedom or liberty
- Individualism
- Limited government
- Rationalism
- Equality of opportunity
- Liberal democracy
freedom or liberty
Ability to do as one pleases. They object to a government claiming the right to decide for citizens what is best for them and regulate their behaviour. They recognise freedom is not absolute - a government and laws are necessary. However, the purpose of government and laws should be to protect freedom as much as possible and make sure people dont interfere with each other’s rights.
types of freedom
negative and positive freedom
negative freedom
John Stuart Mill further developed this understanding of freedom: Individuals should only be limited in their freedom when their actions harm others, not when they only affect themselves. This means a very limited role for the government – restrict behaviour that harms others, such as crime
positive freedom
Later on John Stuart Mill changed his mind, and more modern liberals tend to support the idea of positive freedom:
To have the freedom to realise your
personal potential. That means a more active role for government to help all people have that freedom to realise their potential, e.g. government-funded or even compulsory education
individualism
Focus on the interests of the individual over those of social groups or the state. Liberals prioritise the needs of individuals
over the needs of society collectively. Individuals shouldn’t be made to suffer for the benefit of society as a whole. The idea is that each individual is valuable and should not be treated as an instrument to achieve a certain goal.
what to liberals tend to support as a result of individualism
Liberals tend to support individual rights, such as freedom of speech, over collective rights and states’ rights.
what concept is related to individualism
A concept related to individualism is tolerance: a willingness to accept values, customs and beliefs with which one disagrees. Originally this was mostly tolerance for different religious beliefs, or none at all.
limited government
The state is necessary but should be restricted in its powers. The state is a ‘necessary evil’. Government is necessary to protect individuals, guarantee rights, and help people pursue their interests. But government can also become a threat to individuals, and abuse of power should be avoided.
what should the government be based on according to liberals
Liberals, therefore, support a government structure characterised by separation of powers and checks and balances between government branches to avoid concentration of power.
what about the state do liberals disagree on
Liberals do disagree about how much government should be limited, especially in its economic role.
classical liberal view of the state
Classical liberals believed in laissez-faire capitalism: a free market with minimal government regulation.
modern liberal view of the state
modern liberals support an enabling state: A government that helps individuals to be free and to achieve their potential; a government that actively creates equal opportunities
rationalism
The idea is that decisions should be based on rational thought and scientific knowledge. Belief in human reason: individuals can make their own rational decisions and do not need guidance from external authorities like the state or church leaders.
what do liberals’ view about rationalism mean for human nature
Liberals believe individuals are capable of taking rational decisions and in that way make progress. They believe individuals can learn and improve their knowledge; ability and talent is not ‘natural’ or fixed birth. In turn, they believe that personal development of people creates progress for society as a whole.
equality of opportunity
The idea that all individuals should have equal chances in life to rise and fall This means first of all that individuals should have equal rights, equality before the law, and equal voting rights.
what idea is associated with equality of opportunity
foundational equality
foundational equality
Liberals believe all human beings are born with the same rights, and of equal value – they should therefore also have the same opportunities
meritocracy
Liberals want everyone to have the same chances in life – but they do accept different outcomes in terms of wealth and position because not everyone has the same ability and effort.
This amounts to a meritocracy: a society where success depends on ability and effort, not background and wealth
liberal disagreement over equality of opportunity
Liberals disagree on whether the state should be actively involved in creating equal opportunities. Classical liberals say that the state should ensure not to give traditionally advantaged groups privileges. Modern liberals want the government to go further, and actively intervene to reduce inequality.
liberal democracy - model
Democracy based on :
1. Free elections: citizens can freely make a choice to register to vote and choose who to vote for, without obstacles, fear or intimidation.
2. Separation of powers between branches of government to avoid concentration of power
3. Respect for civil liberties and the rule of law – the government is not above the law, and has to respect individual rights
concerns liberals have with democracy
One of the concerns of liberals about
democracy has been about the ‘tyranny of the majority’ – the idea that a majority
decision could endanger the rights of
minorities and the individual. Modern liberals reject early liberals’ elitist views but do emphasise the importance of protection of individual rights and representation of minority views in a democracy
