Liberalism

Origins of Liberalism:

• emerged from the English Reformation (protestants break from the catholic church)

• flourished during the Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th century with rationalistic ideas of science and philosophy challenged the traditional religious order

Classical Liberalism:

• emerged from enlightenment

• emphasises negative freedom

• limited government

• laissez-faire economics - minimal economic intervention

• individual responsibility

CORE PRINCIPLES - social contract theory, foundational equality, negative freedom

Modern Liberalism:

• developed during the 19th century in response to industrial capitalism

• positive freedom and self realisation

• state intervention

• Keynesian economics

• social justice

CORE PRINCIPLES - formal equality, positive freedom, enabling state