liberalism

LIBERALISM FLASHCARDS

Card 1 — What do all liberals agree about the state?

Q: What is the liberal view of the state?

A:

  • State is created by individuals for individuals (Locke — mechanistic theory).

  • Government should be based on consent (social contract).

  • Power should be limited through checks and balances and separation of powers.

  • Humans are rational → state should be limited.

  • State acts as a neutral umpire between individuals.

  • Therefore all liberals see the state as a necessary evil.

Card 2 — Classical vs Modern liberals on the state

Q: How do Classical and Modern liberals disagree about the state?

A:

Classical liberals:

  • Support night-watchman state (minimal state).

  • State mainly protects property and law/order (Locke).

Modern liberals:

  • Support enabling state.

  • State removes barriers to opportunity (Rawls welfare state).

Example from pack:

  • Rawls’ veil of ignorance justifies welfare provision.

Card 3 — Liberal views on the economy

Q: What do liberals agree and disagree on about the economy?

A:

Agreement:

  • Support capitalism.

  • Believe in meritocracy.

  • Inequality is inevitable.

Disagreement:

  • Classical → laissez-faire (Adam Smith invisible hand).

  • Modern → regulated capitalism (Rawls, bank regulation after 2008 crash).

Example:

  • Obama bank regulation would be supported by modern liberals but opposed by classical liberals.

Card 4 — Liberal views on human nature

Q: How do liberals view human nature?

A:

Agreement:

  • Humans are rational and capable.

Disagreement:

  • Classical → fixed human nature, self-interest (egotistical individualism).

  • Modern → developmental individualism (Mill, Wollstonecraft — education unlocks potential).

Card 5 — Liberal views on freedom

Q: Difference between positive and negative freedom?

A:

  • Classical → negative freedom (“freedom from” state).

  • Modern → positive freedom (“freedom to” achieve potential).

Examples:

  • Rawls + Friedan support removing barriers (positive freedom).

  • Mill harm principle accepted by all liberals.

Card 6 — Liberalism and society

Q: What do liberals agree about society?

A:

  • Support tolerance.

  • Believe in individual rights.

  • Realm of individual vs realm of state.

Examples:

  • Support legalisation of marijuana (private realm).

  • Wollstonecraft + Friedan → gender equality