Liberalism

Definition of Ideology: A coherent set of beliefs about purpose and extent of government

Liberalism:

-Personal Freedom

-Limited Government

- Equality of Individuals

- Consent

Classical Liberal Interpretation

a) Negative Freedom (From interference as long as no harm)

b) Free Market

c) Equal Rights

d) Limited Government

e) Consent of Wealthy Men

J.S. On Liberty

a) What is the extent on power a society may exercise over the individual?

Harm Principle

a) The sole end for which man kind are warranted individually or collectively in interference with the liberty of action of any number of self-protections

Struggle between Liberty and Authority

a) Individual rights will help protect freedom

b) Constitutional Checks

c) Idea of Democracy

Problems with Democracy

a) Ruler and ruled are different people

b) Will of the people = will of the majority

c) Self government = governing of all over the self

d) Majorities can be oppressive = tyranny of the majority

Tyranny of the Majority

a) Political (Using political power and leverage to harm minorities)

b) Social (Pressure to Conform)

Mill’s Free Speech

a) Fallible

b) Portion Of Truth (Truth in both sides)

c) Greater understanding

d) Avoids dogmatic views

Reform Liberalism

- Freedom (Positive and Negative Freedom)

- Positive Freedom = Gov has a role to play in capacity of development

- Equality; equal rights, equal opportunities (Similar starting points)

- Limited Government (Social and Economic Activities)

Social = Health, Education, EI

Economic = Regulation, Crown Corporation, Mixed Economy

-Consent of the Majority

"Justice and Fairness”

a) Primary social goods (Means for a good life)

b) Primary Wealth

c) Liberty and Opportunity

d) Rights and Powers

Distribution of Good

Original Position (Simply Hypothetical)

-Model for Fair Representation

-We pretend we are societies representatives

-Vail of Ignorance hides social social and economic positions of the one you are trying to represent.

-Maximin = Maximize the minimum social and economic position

Citizens

a) Rational Self Interest

Reasonable (Must be Publicly Justifiable)

Principles of Justice

a) Extensive liberties

b) Fair equality of opportunity and the difference principle

Difference Principle

a) Unequal distribution of goods is justifiable if and only if it raises the expectation of the least advantaged