Liberalism

What is an ideology

A coherent collection of ideas, principles, and values that offer a blueprint for a society

How did liberalism emerge (4)

• When: (late) 17th & 18th centuries

• Who: Political philosophers & Protestants breaking away from Catholicism that emphasised personal choice ( of worship, finding god)

• Why: choice was introduced, church authority was questioned, collective became individuals

• Where: Countries in the age of revolution particularly the US and France

What does liberalisms believe about human nature

• Rejecting catholic ideas that HN is flawed

• Saw individuals as enlightened, rational and capable of self improvement

• Naturally self seeking and naturally competitive

• John Locke and J.S. Mill both argued that people can use their rationality to achieve good ends for themselves and for society

• Tolerance - sensitive to the needs of others

What do liberals believe about the state

They all believe in:

• a limited government - a government limited by the rule of law, consent of the people and separation of powers

• Natural law

• Tolerance to be promoted by the state

• A democratic state

• For the state to promote meritocracy

Classical liberals:

• A minimal state that should:

  • Protect property rights

  • Protect the nation from national threat

  • Shouldn’t interfere with economic activity

Modern liberals:

• An enabling state

• They provide key public services e.g. NHS/ state healthcare

  • To facilitate more equal opportunity which will enable meritocracy

What do liberals believe about society

• Human kind will obey natural laws which ensures sympathy and tolerance

• Meritocracy: superior abilities will naturally prosper

• As long as the state respects natural rights and natural law, it will also be a ‘natural state’ and can preside over a natural society

• Society should promote cultural, economic and intellectual progress

• Modern liberals: Organic society

• Classical liberals: Atomistic society - self serving, self seeking, self sufficient

What do liberals believe about the economy

• Classical liberals: Laissez-faire

  • Free markets, free competitions, little economic intervention from the state, taxation is an encroachment on negative freedoms

  • Adam smith (18th century economist) suggested that free markets would promote economic activity + wealth creation

• Modern liberals: Keynesianism

  • Also capitalism - but it needs regulation (from the state) because it can cause inequality, taxation is a key mechanism for delivering positive freedoms

• People have a natural right to private property and the pursuit of property ownership

• Capitalism and free trade will create wealth and individuals pursuing the self interests

What do liberals believe about individualism