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Key Thinkers in Liberalism
Liberalism has several key thinkers that include John Locke, John Stuart Mill, and Mary Wollstonecraft, who contributed to its evolution and definition.
Liberalism's Core Values
Core values of liberalism include individual freedom, tolerance, reason, and the belief in progress through rational thought.
State of Nature According to Locke
Locke described the state of nature as a state where individuals possess natural rights and are governed by reason, unlike Hobbes' negative view.
What is Negative Liberty?
Negative liberty refers to freedom as the absence of restraint, allowing individuals to pursue their destiny without interference.
Role of Government in Classical Liberalism
The government should be limited, working mainly to protect individuals' natural rights and maintain order instead of controlling personal freedoms.
What is Egotistical Individualism?
A belief in liberalism that emphasizes self-seeking behavior and independence in individuals, allowing for personal choice and responsibility.
What is the Minimal State?
A political philosophy in classical liberalism advocating for a government that interferes minimally in the lives of its citizens.
John Stuart Mill's 'Harm Principle'
Mill's principle that individuals should be free to act however they wish unless their actions cause harm to others.
Modern Liberalism vs Classical Liberalism
Modern liberalism emphasizes state intervention for social justice, while classical liberalism stresses individualism and limited government.
What is the Social Contract?
A theoretical agreement in liberalism where individuals consent to form a government that guarantees their natural rights.
What are the core values of liberalism?
The core values of liberalism include individualism, tolerance, and the belief in rationality, progress, and the importance of natural rights.
Who is regarded as the father of liberalism?
John Locke is regarded as the father of liberalism.
What does the 'state of nature' mean in liberal philosophy?
The 'state of nature' refers to the hypothetical condition before the establishment of formal laws and governments where individuals sought to maintain their inherent rights.
Fill in the blank: The __________ emphasizes the absence of restraint as the form of liberty.
negative liberty
What is 'positive liberty'?
Positive liberty is the belief that individuals are only truly free when they are enabled by the state to achieve their potential.
What is the key difference between classical and modern liberalism?
Classical liberalism advocates for a minimal state and 'negative liberty', while modern liberalism supports a more extensive state to enable individuals and promote social justice.
Explain the concept of 'government by consent'.
Government by consent means that a government is legitimate only if it has the permission of those it governs.
How does John Stuart Mill define tolerance in a liberal society?
Mill suggests that society should tolerate all actions and opinions unless they harm the rights and freedoms of others.
Fill in the blank: The liberal state rejects all forms of __________ authority.
divine right
What role does the concept of meritocracy play in the liberal state?
Meritocracy suggests that political power should be exercised by those who have demonstrated competence and merit, rather than inherited status.
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