Liberalism notes textbook

What are the two types of liberalism

Modern and Classical

"What is individualism?"

"A core belief of liberalism that values the individual and protection of individual rights more than a collective group. Individuals are seen as valuable in their own right with equal worth."

"What is egoistical individualism?"

"The belief that individuals are self-reliant

"What is developmental individualism?"

"The belief that individual freedom is linked to the formation of a society and state that can help the more disadvantaged. Associated with modern liberalism."

"What is negative freedom?"

"Where individuals are free from constraints or limitations. The state should only intervene if one individual is impinging on the freedom of another. Associated with classical liberalism."

"What is positive freedom?"

"The principle that individuals should be able to act on their own free will to achieve their goals

"What is the 'necessary evil' view of the state?"

"The belief that humans need the state as they are self-seeking and it can prevent exploitation

"What is a minimal state?"

"A state where the role is limited in order to protect individual freedom

"What is an enabling state?"

"A state that helps individuals to achieve their potential and plays a larger role to promote equality and defend the vulnerable. Associated with modern liberalism."

"What is rationalism in liberalism?"

"The belief that human beings are rational individuals

"What is foundational equality?"

"The belief that all individuals are born with equal rights (natural rights). Modern liberals have broadened this to include rights of women and minority groups."

"What is formal equality?"

"The belief that all individuals have the same political and legal rights in society."

"What is equality of opportunity?"

"The belief that all individuals have the same chance of success

"What is meritocracy?"

"A society in which success and organisation are based on the ability and effort of individuals

"What is liberal democracy?"

"A system with limited government

"What is classical liberalism?"

"Rooted in 17th century Enlightenment

"What is modern liberalism?"

"Rooted in 19th century reaction to industrialisation

"How do classical and modern liberals disagree on freedom?"

"Classical liberals support negative freedom (freedom from constraints)

"How do classical and modern liberals disagree on the state?"

"Classical liberals argue for a minimal/'night watchman' state

"How do classical and modern liberals disagree on the economy?"

"Classical liberals believe in laissez-faire capitalism with minimal intervention and low tax. Modern liberals believe in Keynesianism with greater government role and are comfortable with more tax."

"John Locke: What is his key text?"

"Two Treatises of Government (1690)"

"John Locke: What is social contract theory?"

"Government is based on consent of the governed

"John Locke: What should government protect?"

"Life

"John Locke: Quote on freedom and the state"

"Where there is no law

"John Locke: Quote on authority"

"It is evident that absolute monarchy… is indeed inconsistent with civil society"

"Mary Wollstonecraft: What is her key text?"

"A Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792)"

"Mary Wollstonecraft: Main beliefs"

"Women are rational beings capable of reason and should have formal equality including the same civil rights as men

"Mary Wollstonecraft: Quote on women's power"

"I do not wish them to have power over men; but over themselves"

"Mary Wollstonecraft: Quote on education"

"Strengthen the female mind by enlarging it

"John Stuart Mill: What is his key text?"

"On Liberty (1859)"

"John Stuart Mill: What is the harm principle?"

"Individuals should be free to do as they wish

"John Stuart Mill: Self-regarding vs other-regarding actions"

"Self-regarding actions affect only the individual acting

"John Stuart Mill: Quote on freedom"

"The only freedom which deserves the name

"John Stuart Mill: Quote on state power"

"The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community against his will

"John Rawls: What is his key text?"

"A Theory of Justice (1971)"

"John Rawls: What is the veil of ignorance?"

"A philosophical question where people agree on what society they want without knowing what kind of person they might be in that society

"John Rawls: What is distributive justice?"

"The belief that individuals within society should not be able to succeed at the expense of others; there should be a greater role of the state in narrowing excessive inequality."

"John Rawls: Quote on social justice"

"It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper"

"John Rawls: Quote on liberty"

"Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty compatible with a similar liberty for others"

"Betty Friedan: What is her key text?"

"The Feminine Mystique (1963)"

"Betty Friedan: Main beliefs"

"Women are equally capable as men and deserve legal equality and equal opportunity. Inequality is caused by cultural patriarchal values

"Betty Friedan: Quote on freedom"

"Who knows what women can be when they are finally free to be themselves"

"Betty Friedan: Quote on equality"

"A girl should not expect special privilege because of her sex but neither should she adjust to prejudice and discrimination"

"What is laissez-faire capitalism?"

"An economic system that has minimal government intervention

"What is Keynesianism?"

"An economic system in which the government has a greater role in order to achieve stability and full employment. Associated with modern liberalism."

"What is a mechanistic view of the state?"

"A perception that the state is created to serve the interests of individuals."

"What is tolerance in liberalism?"

"Respecting the beliefs of others

"What is limited government?"

"A government whose power is restricted by checks and balances and often through the separation of powers."

"How do liberals agree on human nature?"

"Both strands have an optimistic view; humans are rational

"How do liberals agree on society?"

"Both believe in a natural society with natural rights

"How do liberals agree on the state?"

"Both hold a mechanistic view

"How do liberals agree on the economy?"

"Both see property as a natural right and generally support capitalism with limited government intervention in economic management."