tensions within

Question 1

human nature - agreement

Answer 1

Liberals agree that humans are capable of rational thinking and taking decisions in their interest. Based on that they also believe in human progress, and that our abilities (and position in society) are not fixed at birth. - Locke
Liberals agree on the idea of foundational equality - they believe that all humans are born equal (and should
therefore have equal rights). - W

Question 2

human nature disagreement

Answer 2

Liberals disagree on what degree of freedom people need: classical liberals aim for negative freedom (freedom from restrictions) following the harm principle, while modern liberals support positive
freedom (freedom to fulfil your potential and live a life worth living) requiring a more enabling state. - Mills v Rawls

Question 3

state agreement

Answer 3

Liberals agree that the state should protect individual rights, and not sacrifice individual rights to protect collective rights. - mill
Liberals agree that government should be democratic, based on consent by the people, and following the model of liberal democracy - locke

Question 4

state disagreement

Answer 4

Liberals disagree on how limited government should be. Classical liberals support laissez-faire capitalism with a minimal role for the state (‘night watchman state’) ensuring maximum freedom for individuals, while modern liberals support an enabling state, actively creating equal opportunities and creating social justice - a fair society with a decent standard of living for all.

Question 5

society - agreement

Answer 5

Liberals agree on the idea of a society where everyone has equal rights, based on foundational equality. - W
Liberals agree on individualism: the interests of the individual should be prioritised over the interests of society as a whole - all individuals are valuable and
nobody should be sacrificed for the greater good. - Locke
Liberals agree society should be a meritocracy, based on equal opportunities for all.

Question 6

society disagreement

Answer 6

Liberals disagree on what degree of freedom society should give individuals: classical liberals aim for negative freedom (freedom from restrictions) following the harm principle, while modern liberals support positive freedom (freedom to fulfil your potential and live a life worth living) requiring a more enabling state.

Question 7

economy - agreement

Answer 7

Liberals agree in an economy of equal opportunities, a meritocracy, where effort not background decides success.

Liberals agree that human capacity to rational thinking will continue to produce economic and technological advancement

Question 8

economy - disagreement

Answer 8

Liberals disagree to what degree the state should be involved in the economy. Classical liberals support laissez-faire capitalism with a minimal role for the
state (‘night watchman state’) ensuring maximum freedom for individuals, while modern liberals support an enabling state, actively creating equal
opportunities and creating social justice - a fair society with a decent standard of living for all.