Types Of Liberalism, Its Thinkers And Historical Examples Flashcards
John Locke Views on human nature
Human beings are rational guided by the pursuit of self-interest, but are mindful of others’ concerns.
John Locke views on the state
The state must be representative, based on the consent of the governed
John Locke Views on society
Society predates the state: There were natural societies with natural laws and natural rights
John Locke views on the economy
State policy should respect the ‘natural right’ to private property and arbitrate effectively between individuals competing for trade and resources
John Locke Book
Two treatises of government (1690), Cornerstone of liberal thought, rejects conservative and religious beliefs and favours rational thinking.
Mary Woolstonecraft views on human nature
Rationalism defines both genders: intellectually, men and women are not very different.
Mary Woolstonecraft views on the state
The monarchical state should be replaced by a republic which enshrines women’s rights
Mary Woolstonecraft views on society
Society infantilised women and this stifled female individualism
Mary Woolstonecraft views on the economy
A free market economy would be energised by the enterprise of liberated women.
Mary Wollstonecraft Book to reference
A vindication of the rights of woman (1792) - Strong political liberal though but linked to feminist ideology
John Stuart Mill views on human nature
Though fundamentally rational, Human nature is not fixed, it is forever progressing to a higher level.
John Stuart Mill views on the state
The state should proceed cautiously towards representative democracy, mindful of minority rights
John Stuart mill views on society
The best society is was one where individuality co-existed with tolerance and self improvement.
John Stuart Mill views on the economy
Laissez-faire capitalism was vital to progress, individual enterprise and individual initiative
John Stuart Mill book to quote “ On liberty” (1859.)
Spoke about negative freedom, freedom essentially involved the absence of restraint.
John Rawls Views on human nature
Mankind is selfish, yet empathetic; valuing both individual liberty and the plight of those around them
John Rawls views on the state
The state should enable less fortunate individuals to advance via public spending and public services.
John Rawls views on society
The society most individuals would choose would be one where the condition of the poorest improved.
John Rawls views on the economy
Free market Capitalism should be tempered by the state’s obligation to advance its poorest citizens.
John Rawls Book
‘A theory of Justice’ 1971 - 2 main principles:
- Foundational equality through progressive taxes and public spending
- Rationally people believe that to progress a society, poorer people would be better off than what they are in society today.
Betty Friedan views on human nature
Human nature has evolved in a way that discourages self-advancement among women
Betty Friedan views on the state
The state should legislate to prevent continued discrimination against female individuals
Betty Friedan views on society
Society remained chauvinistic towards women, through women were complicit in their repression
Betty Friedan views on the economy
Free market capitalism could be an ally of female emancipation if allied to legislation precluding sexual discrimination
Betty Friedan Book to quote
The Feminine Mystique (1963)- Liberal concern for individualism to be applied to everyone, male or female. Gender was hindering this, should just be equal no matter who you are.
Liberalism
Promotion of individual rights, civil liberties, democracy and free enterprise
Neo-Liberalism
Ideas of free market capitalism, an economic freedom amongst individuals, popularised by Margret Thatcher.
