Liberalism

Definition of liberalism?

Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy centred on individual liberty, consent of the governed, equality before the law, and protected rights.

How did the Enlightenment lead to the emergence of Liberalism?

Process of people challenging ancient thinking, such as institutions like the Church

How did the English Civil War lead to the emergence of liberalism?

No “divine right” of kings and autocracy and the government is by the consent of the people and rights (Liberal democracy)

What are the two different types of individualism?

Egoistical individualism (classical) and developmental individualism (modern)

What is egoistical individualism?

Belief that individual freedom involves satisfying one’s own desires and needs, without state intervention. We are independent units seeking personal gain, we are a society of collective individuals

What is developmental individualism?

Developmental individualists believe in a society, and although they support the ideas of individualism, they believe that individuals wish to live alongside one another. Individuals can be made freer through state support, fostering personal growth, such as welfare

What are the two different types of freedom?

Negative (Classical) and positive (Modern)

What is freedom/liberty (broad def)

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

What is negative freedom?

Free from external interference (State). It emphasizes an absence of obstacles, defining a private sphere where individuals can act without being stopped. This is a core idea for classical liberals

What is positive freedom?

Having the freedom of opportunity to do something and have the capability to act upon one's free will and fulfill one's potential, rather than merely being free from external interference.

Simple difference between positive and negative freedom?

Negative freedom is the freedom from external constraints,contrasting with positive freedom which is freedom to achieve potential

What can the state sometimes be viewed as?

Necessary evil - the state is necessary to avoid disorder, but it can also be seen as evil as it has potential to remove individual liberty. Thus, liberals think the state should be limited.

What do classical liberals believe about the state?

The state should be as minimal as possible (Laissez faire), to ensure that individual freedom can be maximised. They believe in the need for negative freedom in order to thrive on their own ability

Example of a modern liberal being more pragmatic about the state?

Keynes established Keynesianism. Idea that state intervention to a certain extent is necessary to manage the economy. If a country about to go through a recession or a bust, borrow lots of money and pay it into the economy to create jobs. Then, when the economy is improving, tax those higher who are employed. Ensuring positive freedom - secure employment and financial security

What is the harm principle?

Casts freedom very widely. You should be allowed to do or say anything you want, without physically harming others. Individual liberty can only be restricted if an individual’s actions may risk harm to others.

What is the enabling state?

Modern liberal approach where a state provides resources, opportunities, and support rather than direct, paternalistic services which will empower individuals and communities to improve their own well-being.

What is rationalism?

The belief that humans are rational creatures, capable of reason and logic. Humans are rational, self-interested creatures capable of logic rather than just tradition, thus advocating for individual freedom, limited government, and faith in progress. Creates a progressive society

What is the mechanistic theory in rationalism?

If society is man made, then we can make it better. This replaces the idea of god created all and the idea of tradition, that we can’t change it as challenging society would mean that you are challenging tradition. Creates a social contract

What is the idea of the social contract?

Individuals consent to be governed in exchange for protection of their rights, forming a reciprocal relationship where the state serves the people, not the other way around

What is the idea of tolerance in rationalism?

Rooted in the belief that individuals should be free to chart their own path in life. The acceptance of diverse beliefs and opinions, even those considered immoral or disagreeable, provided they do not cause direct harm to others.

Definition of equality?

The belief that individuals are of equal value and that they should be treated impartially and fairly by society

What is foundational equality?

People possess the same fundamental moral worth and natural rights simply by being human. All humans are philosophically of equal worth

What is formal equality?

Legal rights and legal status

What is equality of opportunity?

Everyone deserves an equal chance to succeed in life, regardless of background

What is a meritocracy?

Want a hierarchy not based on class, tradition, race gender etc, it should be based on merit and not given, like a traditional society

Definition of a liberal democracy?

A democracy that balances the will of the people, balanced against the right of the people. Shown through elections, with limited government and a respect civil liberties in society

KEY THINKER PROFILE: JOHN LOCKE

Classical liberal. Believes in the mechanistic theory and has a positive view of human nature. Humans are naturally free. Believes in the “social contract” but does believe that states are dangerous. Believes in negative freedom and foundational equality

KEY THINKER PROFILE: MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT

Idea that women are rational and deserve freedom to decide for themselves. Applying classical liberal principles of reason and equality to advocate for women's rights.

KEY THINKER PROFILE: JOHN STUART MILL

Classical Liberal that created the idea of negative freedom and the harm principle. The idea of tolerance and “the bridge” (developmental individualism) - modern liberals took this idea and extended this. Liked developmental individualism - humans are not born the finished article as Locke would have said. Believes in a minimal laissez-faire state - the state can only regulate “other-regarding actions”.

KEY THINKER PROFILE: JOHN RAWLS

Modern liberal that believed that true freedom demands a high degree of economic equality. Thought that if you invented society from scratch, you don’t know who you would be or what level you were in the hierarchy, so wouldn’t a rational person make a society with high levels of equality? Wanted to expand the role of the state to create economic equality

KEY THINKER PROFILE: BETTY FRIEDAN

Modern Liberal that wrote the “Feminine Mystique” in 1963. Women are prevented from becoming fully developed individuals by the patriarchy. This is more than legal change, societal attidues need to shift in order for change to happen. Wanted an expanded role of the state to create legal and social conditions for women to be fully free.