the state as accessory yet evil Flashcards
liberals views the state as necessary to prevent disorder and chaos but they are also deeply worried about its
evil potential to infringe on individual liberties as a result they argue that its power should be limited
the idea that the state should be limited is a core tenant of liberal thought as they are deeply worried about the potential of an
arbitrary state and government to threaten the rights and freedoms of indvdiuals
this links to their economic views as they argue that a too powerful state can stifle economic freedom and innovation by imposing excessive regulations taxes and controls as a result they believe
the role of the state in the economy is to create a favourable environment for business and indviduals to thrive , rather than controlling or directing economic activities
liberals have a fundamental fear that an expansive and arbitrary state could enrich upon and remove …
indvdiuals autonomy and freedom and the freedom that is in inherent in society
this leads to them supporting a number of measures to protect against this , crucial advocate for checks and balances within government a clear operation of powers and the protection of civil liberties in the constitution , this should result in
a limited/constitutional government and one where power is fragmented
this reflects their belief in the mechanistic theory of the state : that the state has been created by the people to directly serve their intrests like a machine , by giving the state
clear roles and limits they ensure that it operates effectively and doesn’t interfere with indvidual liberties
liberals do see the state as necessary to prevent disorder and adjudicate disputes providing law and order however
in the state of nature it is natural that there would be disputes between indviduals following their own intrests , these needed an adjudicator to resolve.
a truly liberal state should be the arbitrator of social justice and the protector of
indvidual liberties preventing infringement of rights by others
by upholding laws and ensuring justice , the states creates an environment where
indviduals can safely exercise their freedoms with confidence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQzQXr_REOE
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