Social Studies Unit 1 Review

Thomas Hobbes

Individuals are naturally selfish and childlike.

Role of Gov't: Requires a strong leader chosen from the elite to make key decisions to protect society.

Belief about Individual Freedoms: He does not believe in individual rights, but he also does not support the ideas of equality.

Economic Philosophy: He believed in a powerful government's role in regulating the economy to prevent chaos and ensure social order.

Collectivist because he wants individuals to sacrifice for the common good

John Locke

Belief about Human Nature: People are smart, rational and reasonable

Role of Gov’t: Protect individual & property rights. The government cannot rule without the consent of the people.

Belief about Individual Freedoms: Individuals have both a right and a duty to preserve their own lives. Believed the source of power was people and popular consent. Favoured individual freedoms

Economic Philosophy: Property rights and individual ownership stem from one's labor and effort, emphasizing the importance of private property and its role in fostering prosperity and liberty.

Individualist. He is the philosopher that is the basis of individualist ideals.

Montesquieu

Belief about Human Nature: People are fearful and scared of conflict

Role of Gov’t: The main purpose of the government is to maintain law and order, political liberty, and the property of the individual. To govern in the best interests of the people, not themselves.

Belief about Individual Freedoms: Believed that individuals should have separate powers so the government can't control supply & demand, they should hold the government accountable.

Economic Philosophy: Importance of a balanced government and laws that promote economic freedom and support commerce to ensure a stable and prosperous society.

Individualist - supports the rule of law, and laws making universal suffrage and voting a fundamental right.

Adam Smith

Belief about Human Nature: People are selfish and greedy, Rational, and motivated by self-interest and profit motive.

Role of Gov’t: He rejected government interference in market activities. He believed that a government should be able to protect national borders, enforce civil law, and engage in public works (e.g., education). Believed in the invisible hand, and minimal government interference.

Belief about Individual Freedoms: To work hard to establish their own economic needs and should have a free market.

Economic Philosophy: the role of self-interest and free markets, suggesting that when individuals pursue their self-interest, the economy benefits as if guided by an "invisible hand."

Individualist (he is the philosopher most commonly referred to when discussing individualist economic ideas)

JJ Rousseau 

Belief about Human Nature: People = good and able to work together for the common good, People possess great instincts, but rules and morals dull those.

Role of Gov’t: to enforce the general will of the society. Believes in Direct Democracy and that the people's will is the absolute authority.

Belief about Individual Freedoms: They should work with the community to promote individual and community goals.

Economic Philosophy: advocated for economic equality and believed in a form of direct democracy where individuals surrender some freedoms to the community for the common good.

Individualist - believing members of society should participate in the decision-making, but more of a collectivist in that the society should accept common norms and collective responsibility.

JS Mill

Belief about Human Nature: People = want perfection and self-improvement

Role of Gov’t: putting limits on the ruler's power so that he would not be able to use that power to further his own wishes and thus make decisions that could harm society. To promote individual rights and freedoms, while also protecting the less fortunate/powerful.

Belief about Individual Freedoms: Believed in the protection of individual freedom and promotion of individual decision-making, Believed strongly in the rights of the individual and was opposed to the dictatorship of the state during the rule of absolutism in Europe.

Economic Philosophy: policies and actions should aim to maximize overall happiness or utility for society as a whole, focusing on the greatest benefit for the largest number of people.

Individualist – while he supports some collectivist ideas like sacrificing some freedoms for the good of others, he is mainly in support of individualist ideas.

Individualism

Private Property

Rule of Law

Individual Rights and Freedoms

Competition

Economic Freedom

Self-Interest

Collectivism

Public Property 

Responsibility

Interest

Norms

Common Good

Economic Equality

Private Property

Ownership of assets by individuals or groups; leans towards individualism.

Collective Responsibility

Shared accountability for actions or outcomes within a group or society; leans towards collectivism

Identity

The characteristics, beliefs, or values that distinguish an individual or group; could pertain to both individualism and collectivism, depending on context.

Rule of Law

Adherence to established legal principles and regulations governing a society; usually associated with both individual and collective interests

Collective Interest

Goals or objectives shared by a group or society; leans towards collectivism.

Nation

A distinct community of people sharing history, culture, or territory; can involve both individual and collective identities.

Individual Rights and Freedoms

The entitlements and liberties granted to individuals within a society; associated with individualism.

Relationship to Land

Connection or significance of land to an individual or community; context-dependent but can lean towards both individualism and collectivism.

Language

A method of communication; can relate to both individual and collective expression.

Economic Freedom

The ability of individuals to participate in economic activities with minimal interference; associated with individualism.

Collective Norms

Shared behavioral standards or customs within a group or society; leans towards collectivism.

Religion

Belief system or faith practiced by individuals or groups; can pertain to both individual and collective identity.

Self-Interest

Pursuit of personal advantage or benefit; generally associated with individualism.

Economic Equality

Fair distribution of wealth and resources among individuals or groups; associated with collectivism.

Competition

Rivalry or contest between individuals or groups; often linked with individualism.

Public Property

Assets or resources owned collectively by a society or community; leans towards collectivism.

Why was the Medieval period was better categorized as collectivist?

• The feudal system was very important and was made into different groups: Peasants, Craftsmen, Clergy, Nobles and Traders.

• What mattered was how you fit into your group, not your identity

• The Church played a big part that wanted collective well-being

• They didn't care about the individual and their rights

What is the importance of the Magna Carta?

The Magna Carta is an early example of individualism. It expressed that the monarch didn't have ‘absolute power’.

During which time period do we see the emergence of individualistic ideas? 

The Renaissance period, people during these times began to think more about themselves and their own rights and freedoms, and this changed how they saw the world.

Describe the importance of the Age of Enlightenment and the Reformation on Individualism.

Emphasized personal faith and challenged the Catholic Church's authority, and promoted reason, science, and human rights. Thinkers like Locke and Voltaire advocated for individual freedoms. These movements encouraged independent thinking and questioning of traditional authority, shaping the development of individualism in society.

What important document was generated following the French Rev? 

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

How did the Industrial Rev change the structure of economies? 

Transformed economies by shifting from agrarian-based societies to industrialized ones. It led to the growth of factories, mass production, and urbanization. This change brought about a shift from manual labor to machine-based production, increased productivity, and the rise of capitalism.

Conservative

This position prefers to keep things the way they are or return to traditional values and practices. They are cautious about change.

Moderate

People in this position are open to some change but prefer it to be gradual and not too drastic. They seek a balance between tradition and progress.

Reactionary

This position wants to return to very old ways and strongly opposes recent changes or progress. They are very resistant to change.

Liberal

Open to new ideas and changes to improve society. They want to move forward and make positive changes.

Which end of the spectrum tends to represent more governmental control? Why?

The left end of the spectrum favors more governmental control to promote social equality. Left-wing ideologies prioritize government intervention to regulate and redistribute resources for fairness and reducing inequality.

What are the key principles of individualism, and which terms align with this ideology (acronym)?

The key principles of individualism are personal freedom, self-reliance, and limited government intervention. The terms that align with this ideology can be remembered using the acronym, Prices

What are the key principles of collectivism, and which terms align with this ideology (acronym)?

The key principles of collectivism are cooperation, shared responsibility, and the belief in the common good. The acronym is Prince