Section 2 - Differing views and tensions with Liberalism Flashcards
Define Classical liberalism
Early liberals who believed that individual freedom would best be achieved with the state playing a minimal role
Define Modern Liberalism
Modern liberalism is a newer form of liberalism and believes in regulating the free market in order to prevent high levels of inequality.
What are the two main variants of liberalism known as?
Classical and modern liberalism
When was classical liberalism reinvented and into what?
Neo-liberalism in the 20th Century - this was the idea associated with the New Right
When did modern liberalism emerge?
In the late 20th century
Why did modern liberalism emerge?
In response to the growth of free market capitalism
What views does modern liberalism have on capitalism?
It doesn’t wish to abolish capitalism and replace private ownership with state control of the economy - it believes in regulating the market in order to counter excessive deprivation and inequality
Which two key areas do classical and modern liberals take a different approach to?
Freedom and the state
What is the mechanistic theory?
The theory that people created the state to serve them and act in their interests
What is enabling state?
A larger state that helps individuals to achieve their potential and be free
How do classical liberals view freedom?
- Believed in negative freedom (freedom from interference) - principle often linked to idea of freedom of choice to privacy
- Freedom can be expanded mostly clearly by restraining state power
- Classical liberals believe in egotistical individualism
Define egotistical individualism
The idea that individual freedom is associated with self interest and self reliance
When did Neo-Liberalism emerge?
1970s
Why are neo-liberals critical of modern liberalism?
They argue that it betrayed the liberal commitment to individual liberty
