Liberalism and Its Reactions

Political and economic ideology forming the foundation of modern western societies.
Based on individual rights, liberty, consent of the governed, and equality before the law.
Favors decentralized power and respect for individual reasoning.
Evolved from individualism to include collectivist interventions.
Three aspects:
- Political: Equal legal rights and freedoms; government accountable to the people.
- Economic: Individual property rights and free markets.
- Social/Cultural: Individuality, freedom of expression, and cultural diversity.

Early form of liberalism advocating for individualism.
Evolved from the European Enlightenment.
Stresses human rationality, political freedoms, rule of law, and limited democracy.
Favors a free market economy with limited government intervention.

Classical Liberals resisted social, political, and economic conditions of feudalism:
- Feudal System: Wealth concentrated in land ownership by the king and aristocracy.
- Monarchy: Divine right of kings; laws and taxes imposed arbitrarily.
- Religion: Strong influence of the Catholic Church; questioning was forbidden.
- Mercantilism: Protectionist policies limiting imports and favoring state-sponsored monopolies.

Renaissance: Sparked ideas of humanism, emphasizing the individual importance in society.
Religious Reformation: Challenged the Church's authority, promoting individual interpretation of religious texts.
The Enlightenment: Increased inquiry into the natural world, emphasizing empirical evidence and logical reasoning.

John Locke:
- Advocated for individual rights and freedoms; government accountable to the people.
- Believed individuals had the right to use their reason and logic to make their own decisions.
- Emphasized private property rights.
John Stuart Mill:
- Argued for limited government intervention to preserve the rule of law, protect private property, and ensure safety/security
- Harm Principle: individuals should be free to act unless their actions cause harm to others.
- Stressed the importance of freedom of speech and individuality.
Montesquieu:
- Proposed the \"Separation of Powers\" into legislative, executive, and judicial branches
- Advocated for checks and balances to prevent centralized power and corruption.
Adam Smith:
- Challenged mercantilism, advocating for free markets and limited government intervention.
- Introduced the concept of the \"invisible hand,\" where self-interest promotes public welfare.
- Advocated for division of labor to increase efficiency and output.

Influence on Liberal Thought:
- Great Law of Peace maintained peaceful relations between nations.
- Each nation had own council with chiefs chosen by clan mother; handled internal affairs, Grand Council handled issues affecting the confederacy.
- Model for Federalism

Negative Freedoms: Freedom from oppression; equal treatment under the law.
Positive Freedoms: Enabled to achieve hopes and goals; equality of opportunity.
Political Spectrum: Ranges from dictatorship to democracy, with ideologies like communism, socialism, liberalism, conservatism, and fascism.
Free Market Economics: Economic system based on private ownership, competition, and limited government intervention.
Laissez-Faire: Minimal government involvement in the economy.
Division of Labor: Specialization in production to increase efficiency.
Harm Principle: Actions should only be limited to prevent harm to others.