Core Political Ideas

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 and the consent of the people

• Natural law

• Tolerance to be promoted by the state

• A democratic state

• For the state to promote meritocracy

Classical liberals:

• Minimal state intervention

Modern liberals:

• An enabling state

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

  • To facilitate more equality which will enable meritocracy

What do liberals believe about society

• Human kind will obey natural laws - sympathy, tolerance