Individualism and Collectivism

Individualism

Values placed upon the primacy of the individual, emphasizing "me" before "we."

Private property

Ownership of lands, homes, businesses, and intellectual property, with significant wealth concentration.

Rule of Law

Principle that everyone is subject to the law, with government powers defined by law.

Individual rights and freedoms

Rights guaranteed by documents like the Charter and the American Bill of Rights.

Competition

The presence or absence of competition in various industries affects market dynamics.

Economic freedom

The ability of individuals and corporations to buy, sell, and work freely, with consumer sovereignty as a key aspect.

Self-interest

The concept that individuals act in their own best interest, benefiting society when they can.

Cooperation

Working together as a group to avoid exploitation and pool resources.

Collective interest

The interests of a group that can be more effectively achieved collectively.

Collective responsibility

Holding a group accountable for the actions of its members.

Public property

Property owned by the state or community, often debated in terms of its implications.

Economic equality

A spectrum of approaches to achieving equality, including progressive taxation and social programs.

Marxism

A theory focused on class struggle, advocating for collective ownership and equality for the working class.

Social Contract

An agreement within society to accept government in exchange for security and rights.

Thomas Hobbes

A philosopher advocating for a strong government due to his negative view of human nature.

John Locke

The father of liberalism, emphasizing individual rights and limited government.

Montesquieu

Proposed separation of powers to avoid corruption and despotism.

Adam Smith

Advocated for laissez-faire capitalism and the regulation of the economy by market forces.

John-Stuart Mill

Emphasized the importance of individual freedoms and government protection of those freedoms.

John Jacques Rousseau

Believed in the natural freedom of people and the corrupting influence of private property.

Karl Marx

The father of communism, advocating for economic equality and the abolition of private property.

Beliefs/values

Ideas and understandings that shape an individual's identity and worldview.

Human interdependence

The concept that individuals rely on one another in various aspects of life.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by free markets and minimal government involvement.

Communism

A societal system where property is owned collectively for the common benefit.

Socialism

An ideology advocating for public control of resources for societal benefit.

Ideological spectrum

A diagram organizing ideologies based on their emphasis on collectivism or individualism.

Radicalism

new/innovative, e.g. Theory of Evolution

Reactionary

back to the past, either actual past or an imagined past

Facism

strong economic freedom for the elites, designed to destroy communism

Egalitarianism

ideology of equality

Elitism

ideology of the elites

Status quo

keep things the same

Progressive

make things better

Welfare state

where government provides some form of social services

Civil disobedience

peaceful/non-violent protest

Deregulation

removal of economic regulations