Liberalism

How to write a liberalism essay

DO NOT DO CLASSICAL AND MODERN LIBERALS SEPARATELY!

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Liberalism core ideas

individual is the base unit of political activity (prioritise power of people and government by consent)

What type of liberal is JOHN LOCKE and what was his key work

Classical Liberal

Two Treatise of Government 1689 argument for natural rights and government by consent

John Locke on HUMAN NATURE

we are self-interested (egotistical individualism) but no selfish (against Hobbes). The state of nature was mostly peaceful, yet to arbitrate between arguements a state was created

To Locke, what is the state?

individuals working together to protect PROPERTY! Have a social contract where the state protects our inalienable rights and arbitrate on own behalf between competing individuals. But against arbitrary rule prefering a NIGHTWATCHMAN state

What was Locke’s first treatise of government?

refutes the divine right of kings against Filmer

What type of liberal was Mary Wollstoncraft?

Classical Liberal

Wollstonecraft on the state

avid supporter of French + American Revolutions demonstrating support of Social Contract Theory and Government of Consent.

Argued that without FORMAL EQUALITY government by consent couldn’t be achieved

John Stuart Mills

On Liberty 1859

JSM Harm Principle

only justifiable to stop an action if it causes harm to others. role of gov. is to prevent harm and protect individual freedoms but must not cross into tyranny. 

JSM Human Nature

Free speech essential