To What Extent Does Liberalism Have A Fear Of The State? Flashcards
Intro
Both strands agree the state should be Ltd to protect individual freedoms as they fear tyranny by the state. But, where they differ is their views on how state should operate in terms of helping to achieve individuals freedoms.
Importance of state in protecting and promoting individual freedoms is seen in both strands
as advocate that state gains power from consent of governed + is allowed to survive to ensure their liberty.This suggests there’s some agreement within liberals that fear a state governed by dictator, but don’t fear state in terms of being used as way of ensure people have free lives + can make their own choices.
Locke, argued before state there was a ‘natural society’ served mankind and argued that a true state would be created ‘by people, for people’ (social contract theory). This is a concept that the state is necessary evil that has consent by people to rule; they fear an overly large state but not one thats tightly controlled because it is essential. there to protect individuals’ security and property which both classical and modern liberals agree with limited disagreement between two branches Rawls, modern, would agree stating ‘Gov be based on consent’ this highlights that both strands of liberals share the same desire for the state to protect the freedoms of the ppl within society; they do not fear a small state as such, rather wanting to use of the state to serve the people
Agreement for
The state should govern by consent of the people and there to serve people.
E.g. Locke believes that state governs by people’s consent, not the will of god and therefore there is a social contract between the government and the governed.
E.g.
Disagree on how much state …
Intervention is necessary.
divide in terms of fear of state when comes to how much should be used to help people meet their full potential.
Classical significantly disagree with modern on what type of liberty should be created by the state for the people. Classical argue that Negative liberty is better for state as believe state is coercive force that limits individual’s freedoms, meaning fear state’s ability to reduce liberty for individuals. prefer a small state w few taxations + less regulations and only believe state is there e.g. to manage law and order.
Modern want an enabling state as individuals may need help in identifying real interest. Believe in positive freedom. Truly free when they have opportunity to realise potential, therfoe the state must ensure enabling conditions. For example, Betty Friedan argues the state should legislate to prevent continued discrimination against female individuals.
E.g. Rawls support state intervene to create a more just society thru policies that address inequalities + ensure fair distribution of sources.
