classical liberalism

what two things occured at the end of the feudal era?

• due to rise of humanism and the Enlightenment, increased focus on rationality, logic, empiricism (evidence, sensory experience)

• rejection of divine right of kings

divine right of kings

• right to rule came from authority of god

  • lack of gov accountability from pope/parliament as seen as invalid in eyes of god

  • theocratic

how did the nature of people’s relationship with government change after revolution?

• men and ones in the majority became citizens who were capable of rational thought and decision making instead of mindless subjects with no will

  • did not apply to minorities like women or slaves (mostly POC)

• more liberal view

personal freedoms

right to free speech, religion, private property

equality of right

all abide by the same law (rule of law)

• impartially enforced by government

limited government

government SERVES society, they are not in charge of society

consent of the governed

“no taxation without representation”

• government is responsible for the people, if they fail at their duties they should be replaced

• people will not listen if not represented properly

what did thomas hobbes believe in?

• allow individuals all the freedom, then we would see the worst of human nature (self-interest is detrimental)

• individuals must be ruled sternly and without compassion (authoritarianism)

  • ruler has to curb worst of human nature, but if they fail at doing so they must be overthrown

what did john locke believe in?

• right of the individual to choose their own government is of utmost importance (liberal, capability of rational thought)

• self-interest will create best government and is solely beneficial

• right to property, religious tolerance

• if government is ill fit to rule then call an election

social contract

how governments claim their legitimacy from the people

how does the social contract function, and what two philosophers were closely entwined with social contract?

• government protects people’s rights

  • so people give government power

• but if government misuses power

  • people can either replace (locke) or overthrow (hobbes)

• closely related to hobbes and locke’s philosophies

what did rousseau believe in?

• government’s imposition of will upon others ensures that individuals are actually NOT free as they say under liberal philosophy

  • only be free when free from control

  • supports direct democracy

what did voltaire believe in?

seperation of church and state

• church did not argue on rationality, logic, empiricism, so the state should not be affiliated with them

what did montesquieu believe in?

seperation AND sharing of powers

• provides checks and balances, and prioritizes the will of the people over the will of the elite

• no sharing of power among branches = tyranny since one will have unequal power

what did adam smith believe in?

• laissez-faire capitalism (freedom from government intervention)

• invisible hand (freedom = act in best interest, will create good for all)

laissez-faire economics

no government intervention in the economy, allow it to run its course

• response to government controlling transport of goods and economy during mercantilist era

invisible hand

pursuing self-interest will end up providing economic good to all in an efficient manner

• due to supply → demand → price cycle

what are the two primary flaws of the invisible hand?

• assumption that competition and self-interest are primary human desires

• takes too much time to benefit from for many

significance of the wealth of nations

wealth lies in the productive capacity of individuals and the living standards over material wealth

what did john stuart mill believe in?

• utilitarianism (greatest good for greatest amount)

• harm principle

utilitarianism

• government should take action if the majority benefit, as that is what will benefit all individuals

what is the major flaw of utilitarianism

minorities will not be represented by the will of the many

harm principle

right to gain happiness by acting as seen fit, however it should not harm others

• prevents marginalization

• individual freedoms

what did burke believe in?

• people cannot make rational decisions and are incapable of controlling emotions

• maintain status quo (classical conservatism)

• humans who are adequately capable should rule (elite rule)

what is the key difference between classical liberalism and modern liberalism

minimal state interference, laissez-faire market capitalism, protection of individual rights & freedoms VS significant state interference & regulation, protection of individual rights and freedoms