1.6 - Liberalism

Individualism

The belief that individuals have rights that should be respected and protected, and are capable of making their own decisions.

Harm Principle

John Stuart Mill's principle that defends individual freedom unless behaviour causes harm to others.

Limited Government

The idea that the government exists to protect individual rights and should have checks to prevent tyranny.

Rationalism

The belief that humans are rational beings capable of reasoning and making informed decisions, justifying the need for freedom.

Foundational Equality

The belief that everyone is born equal in rights.

Formal Equality

The idea that laws must protect everyone equally.

Social Justice

The belief that the state should remove barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their potential.

Liberal Democracy

A system that combines democratic participation with liberal values including free elections and protected rights.

Classic Liberalism

A political ideology that supports a limited government focused on protecting rights and maintaining law and order.

Modern Liberalism

A political philosophy that views freedom as the ability to achieve potential, often requiring state support to overcome barriers.

John Locke

A key liberal thinker who advocated for natural rights, limited government, and the social contract.

Mary Wollstonecraft

A key thinker who argued for women's equal rights and formal equality in education and politics.

John Stuart Mill

A liberal thinker known for the Harm Principle and strong defense of individual liberty and freedom of speech.

John Rawls

A modern liberal thinker known for the principles of equal liberty and difference principle, advocating for social justice through redistribution.

Betty Friedan

A feminist thinker who critiqued domestic confinement of women and supported state intervention to promote equality.