Liberalism key terminology definitions

KILL ME

Individualism - CORE PRINCIPLE

the primacy of the individual in society over any group

Freedom/ liberty - CORE PRINCIPLE

the ability and right to make decisions in your own interests based on your view of human nature

State - CORE PRINCIPLE

it is ‘necessary’ to avoid disorder, but ‘evil’ as it has the potential to remove individual liberty → so it should be limited (limited government)

Rationalism - CORE PRINCIPLE

the belief that humans are rational creatures, capable of reason and logic → ability to define their own best interests and make their own moral choices, creating a progressive society

Equality/ social justice - CORE PRINCIPLE

the belief that individuals are of equal value and that they should be treated impartially and fairly by society (ideas of foundational and formal equality + equality of opportunity)

Liberal democracy - CORE PRINCIPLE

a democracy that balances the will of the people, as shown through elections, with limited government (state) and a respect for civil liberties in society

Summaries of liberal strands

Classical liberalism → early liberals who believed that individual freedom would best be achieved with the state playing a minimal role

Modern liberalism → emerged as a reaction against free-market capitalism, believing this had led to many individuals not being free. Freedom could no longer simply be defined as ‘being left alone’.

Foundational equality

rights that all humans have by virtue of being born which cannot be taken away (also known as natural rights)

Formal equality

the idea that all individuals have the same legal and political rights in society

Equality of opportunity

the idea that all individuals should have equal chances in life to rise and fall

Social contract

the idea that the state/ society is set up with agreement from the people to respect its laws which serve to protect them

Meritocracy

a society organised on the basis that success is based on ability and hard work

Mechanistic theory

the idea that the state was created by ‘man’ to serve the people and act in their interests

Tolerance

a willingness to respect values, customs and beliefs with which one disagrees

Limited government

the role of government is limited by checks and balances, and a separation of powers because of the corrupting nature of power

Egoistical individualism

the idea that individual freedom is associated with self-interest and self-reliance (atomism)

Developmental individualism

the idea that individual freedom is linked to human flourishing

Negative freedom

the absence of external constraints in society as well as no interference from the state (freedom from-)

Positive freedom

the idea that freedom is about personal fulfilment and realisation of potential (freedom to-)

Laissez-faire capitalism

an economic system, organised by the market, where goods are produced for exchange and profit, and wealth is privately owned

Keynesianism

an economic system that requires government involvement to stimulate the economy to achieve full employment and price stability

Harm principle

the idea that individuals should be free to do anything except harm other individuals

minimal state

the idea that the role of the state must be restricted in order to preserve individual liberty

enabling state

a larger state that helps individuals to achieve their potential and be free

Summary of John Locke (key thinker)

CLASSICAL LIBERAL

Social contract theory → society, state and government are based on theoretical voluntary agreement.

Limited government → that government should be limited and based on consent from below.

Summary of Mary Wollstonecraft (key thinker)

CLASSICAL LIBERAL

Reason → women are rational and independent beings capable of reason.

Formal equality → in order to be free, women should enjoy full civil liberties and be allowed to have a career.

Summary of JS Mill (key thinker)

BRIDGE BETWEEN CLASSICAL + MODERN LIBERALISM

Harm principle → that individuals should be free to do anything except harm other individuals.

Tolerance → belief that the popularity of a view does not necessarily make it correct.

Summary of John Rawls (key thinker)

MODERN LIBERAL

Theory of justice → opinion that society must be just and guarantee each citizen a life worth living.

The veil of ignorance → a hypothetical scenario where individuals, agree on the type of society they want from a position where they lack knowledge of their own position in society.

Summary of Betty Friedan (key thinker)

MODERN LIBERAL

Legal equality → women are as capable as men and that oppressive laws and social views must be overturned.

Equal opportunity → women are being held back from their potential because of the limited number of jobs that are ‘acceptable’ for women.