To what extent do modern liberals accept the ideas of classical liberals?

Introduction

Modern liberals accept a great deal - e.g. human nature, fundamental role and character of state and society

Differences over size of state and extent of involvement are ultimately less important than shared beliefs

Para 1 - Human nature: Agree

Reason and rationality characterise human nature

Locke: state of nature is a state of "perfect freedom" and "perfect equality"

Rawls: Original Position reflects belief that humans are inherently rational

Both note that reason and self-interest can come together in order to achieve maximum mutual gain

Para 1 - Human nature: Disagree

Disagree regarding gender equality

Wollstonecraft: Rationality of men and women is defining similarity between genders

Friedan: Human nature has evolved in a way that discourages female self-advancement

Para 1 - Human nature: Overall

Despite differences between Friedan and Wollstonecraft, there is broad agreement - self-interested but rational

Furthermore, Friedan's argument is the result of social suppression of women, rather than inherent qualities - same as Wollstonecraft

Para 2 - State: Agree

Restricted state

Acceptance of capitalism and relatively free markets

Para 2 - State: Disagree

Disagreements over size and scope of state

Locke: 'umpire' state - only stepping in when necessary - Jefferson: "that government is best which governs least"

Rawls: Maximin principle - more active state, increased welfare

Para 2 - State: Overall

Considerable disagreement over state's role in welfare but fundamental agreement over state's role in protecting and promoting the individual

acceptance of the same economic system and discouragement of extensive state intervention into economy

Para 3 - Society: Agree

Individuals' right to life, liberty and property must be respected - Locke's key tenets, reflected in Rawls' belief in most extensive basic liberty compatible with liberty of others

Locke: No authority should be beyond challenge

Rawls: 'justice is the first virtue of social institutions'

Agreement over education - Wollstonecraft and Mill echoed in Friedan's 'culture channels'

Para 3 - Society: Disagree

Differing perception of society's character

Friedan: society oppressive towards women through male establishment and complicit females

Locke: accepted status quo, did not argue for progressive legislation

Para 3 - Society: Overall

Despite disagreement's over society's current state, agreements over what it ought to be - emphasis upon justice, property education and liberty - render modern and classical liberals more similar than different

Mill's belief in the extension of suffrage to women reflects further similarity between classical and modern liberals

Conclusion

Disagreements far more noticeable as they pertain to the real world

Agreements actually more fundamental and crucial in distinguishing liberalism from other ideologies

Modern liberals can therefore be said to accept a lot of ideas of classical liberals