Liberalism essay plans

Human nature introduction:

Mostly disagree. All liberals have a positive view on human nature, but they disagree on what type of individualism humans desire and as a result of this how much state intervention is required to uphold this individualism.

Human nature MP1 point:

All agree on having an optimistic view on human nature - and we are all capable of reason.

Human nature MP1 example 1:

John Locke has a positive view on human nature as he believes people are rational and capable of achieving good for themselves and society.

Human nature MP1 example 2:

Similarly, John Rawls original position is that people naturally want to support those in need and would naturally chose a fairer society if they had no knowledge of their own position.

Human nature MP2 point:

Believe in the idea of individualism but disagree on the type of individualism.

Human nature MP2 example 1:

Want egoistical individualism because people are primarily concerned about pursuing their self-interest and owe little or nothing to society.

Human nature MP2 example 2:

However, modern liberals favour developmental individualism which focuses on the extent to which all individuals are able to grow and achieve their potential.

Human nature MP3 point:

Due to these different views on human nature, the amount of state intervention they want can differ.

Human nature MP3 example 1:

J.S.Mill's harm principle says it is not justifiable to interfere with self-regarding actions even if they are harmful to the individual. The state can only interfere if it is harmful to others.

Human nature MP3 example 2:

However, Modern liberals want an enabling state because individuals might need to help in identifying their real interests end pursuing higher pleasures.

The state introduction:

Mostly disagree. Agree that the government should serve the people but disagree on how much intervention this should allow for and how intervention may impact their desired freedom.

The state MP1 introduction:

All liberals are in agreement that the state shall govern by consent of the people and the state is there to serve the people.

The state MP1 example 1:

John Locke believes that the state governs by the consent of the people, not the will of god and therefore there is a social contract between the government and the governed.

The state MP1 example 2:

Similarly, John Rawls believes in the mechanist theory. This is the idea that the state was created by 'man' to serve the people and act in its interests.

The state MP2 point:

Disagree on how much state intervention is necessary.

The state MP2 example 1:

Classical liberals favour a minimal state. J.S.Mill's harm principle says it is unjustifiable to interfere with with self-regarding actions, even if they are harmful to the individual. The state can only interfere if it is harmful to others.

The state MP2 example 2:

However, Modern liberals want an enabling state because individuals might need help in identifying their real interests and pursuing higher pleasures.

The state MP3 point:

This disagreement on how much start intervention is necessary could be due to their differing views on freedom.

The state MP3 example 1:

Classical liberals' favour negative freedom. This is because welfare and state intervention make individuals less self-reliant and more dependent on the state, therefore individuals should be left to make their own decisions.

The state MP3 example 2:

However, modern liberals' favour positive freedom which argues that from humans to be truly self-reliant, the state must ensure enabling conditions. For example, Betty Friedan argues the state should legislate to prevent continued discrimination against female individuals.

Society introduction:

Liberals mostly agree on how society should be. They all agree everyone is equal, but disagree on what kind of freedom society should accommodate for and what extent we should have equality of opportunity.

Society MP1 point:

Liberals agree that society is made up of a collection of individuals who are all equal.

Society MP1 example 1:

For example, Mary Wollstonecraft argued that all citizens should be equal under the law and be free from discrimination.

Society MP1 example 2:

Similarly, Betty Friedan shared this view and thought women were not seen as equal to men. She thought there was no issue with being a housewife, but thought women deserved the choice not to be, therefore being more equal to men.

Society MP2 point:

Liberals disagree on what type of freedom society should have.

Society MP2 example 1:

Classical liberals favour negative freedom, where society only exists to limit the outside influence of others, therefore individuals should be left to make their own decisions.

Society MP2 example 2:

However, Modern Liberals favour positive freedom. This means they believe true freedom to grow is not possible in isolation and thus requires others.

Society MP3 point:

Liberals both agree that all individuals should have equality of opportunity, but the extent of equality of opportunity differs.

Society MP3 example 1:

For example, classical liberals favour formal equality of opportunity, where offices and jobs should be open to all individuals and no one should be discriminated against. Although they believe they owe little or nothing to society, therefore will allow for equality of opportunity as long as it doesn't negatively effect them.

Society MP3 example 2:

However, Modern liberals such as Joh Rawls, disagrees with the latter. They believe in substantive equality of opportunity, so those born with disadvantages should still have the same opportunities as others and for competition to be fair the rich have to recognise they may need to make sacrifices.

Economy introduction:

Liberals mostly disagree on the economy. This is because although they believe everyone has the right to own private property, they disagree on the extent of government intervention and how much taxation should take place.

Economy MP1 point:

All liberals agree that the possession of private property and pursuit of property ownership is necessary.

Economy MP1 example 1:

Classical liberals, such as John Locke, this is because society has a natural right to have private property.

Economy MP1 example 2:

Similarly, modern liberals, such as John Rawls, agrees with lock on the importance of property ownership. he would argue this is because private enterprise gives people the incentive to achieve.

Economy MP2 point:

Liberals have differing views on the amount of government intervention take place.

Economy MP2 example 1:

Classic liberals favour laissez-faire economics. This is where individuals are left to pursue self-interest, then the market will be efficiently guided by an 'invisible hand'. J.S. Mill would argue that laissez-faire capitalism is necessary for initiative and individual progress.

Economy MP2 example 2:

Contrastingly, modern liberals favour Keynesian economics. This is where government should manage demand to keep unemployment low and to promote freedom. John Rawls would argue this is necessary because we have an obligation to help the less fortunate.

Economy MP3 point:

Liberals have differing views on taxation.

Economy MP3 example 1:

Classic liberals think taxation should be minimal. This is because it punishes the hard work and success of those who have earnt the money and taxation should only be used to fund a 'night watchman state'.

Economy MP3 example 2:

On the other hand, modern liberals would argue taxation is necessary as society contributes much to wealth creation, and therefore taxation isn't redistribution, its society taking its fair share for its contribution.