Liberalism modern v classical

Edexcel alevel politics core ideology: Liberalism, modern vss classical

Key idea of classical liberalism

individual freedom through minimal state intervention

Key idea of modern liberalism

freedom through state support and opportunity

positive freedom

freedom is personal fulfilment and realising own potential, and having the opportunity to succeed. Modern

negative freedom

freedom without interference. Classic

Classical liberal view on human nature

humans are rational, self interested and capable and the state shouldn’t interfere

Modern liberalism view on human nature

humans are rational but shaped by society so can be developed by state interference

Classical liberal view on the state

minimal nightwatchman state, who protect the country, property and maintain order

Modern liberal view on the state

an active state which provides welfare education and regulates the economy

classic liberal economic view

free market, laissez faire and no state intervention

modern liberal economic view

state regulated capitalism to reduce inequality and market failure

Classical liberal view of equality

equality of opportunity only

Modern liberal view of equality

equality of opportunity and state intervention to ensure fairness

Classical liberal thinkers

John Locke, JS Mill, Mary Wollstonecraft

Modern liberal thinkers

John Rawls, JS Mill, Betty Friedan

JS Mill

Harm principal that individuals should be free to do anything as long as it doesn’t harm others, tolerance and respect of others views

Mary Wollstonecraft

Women are rational and independent, formal equality the belief that everyone should have legal and political equality to ensure freedom

John Locke

everyone is born with natural rights, social contract theory, limited govt

John Rawls

theory of justice that every citizen should live a life worth living, the veil of ignorance is a scenario where citizens choose a society they want while lacking knowledge of their own position in that society

Betty Friedan

legal equality of women and equal opportunity for women