rationalism Flashcards
rationalism is a key principle of liberalism assets that humans are rational creatures , capable of reason and logic it is a very
optimistic view of human nature
this belief underpins the liberal view that individuals , equipped with rationality are best places to undermine their own interests and make effective decisions , they are able to work out what is
best for themselves through reason and this will also benefit society as a whole as a result
rationalism leads to liberals supporting an autonomy-focused society , economy and political system that
trusts individuals to make their own decisions
classical liberals argue that rational self intrest alone will promote economic prosperity and social harmony and that indviduals should be
left alone in a free market economy with limited government to make their own choices
modern liberals by contrast argue that indviduals should be supported so that they have the capabilities to exercise their rationality effectively
- They acknowledge that individuals can make rational decisions, but they also recognise that social conditions, education, and access to information can significantly impact an individual’s ability to reason effectively.
- Modern liberals like Rawls and T.H. Green therefore argue that to make truly rational decisions, individuals need a certain level of support from the state, such as access to education and protection from socioeconomic disadvantages.
Wollstonecraft a classical liberal challenged the prevailing social belief of her time which depicted women as inherently inferior than men in intellect and agency and argued that
woman are inherently rational beings , fully capable of reason and deserving of the same educational opportunities as men
Wollenstonecraft asserted that any perceived inferiority of women was not the result of natural differences bit of inadequate and unequal education , which stifled their
intellectual development and confined them to subordinate roles in society
Wollenstonecraft wrote
” the divine right of husbands like the divine right of kings , may it is hoped in this elighqment age , be contested without danger “
Wollenstonecraft advocated for a change in the way society views and educations women emphasising that
with the proper education , women could make decisions independently and contribute equally to society
Wollenstonecraft also wrote in a ‘vindication of the rights of woman’
” let woman share the rights and she will emulate the virtues of man ; for she must grow more perfect when emancipated “
