Classical Liberalism Flashcards
(30 cards)
Which economist is associated with the classical liberalism
Adam Smith
Who are key thinkers associated with the original form of liberal thinking?
John Locke, Mary Wollstonecraft, J.S. Mill
These thinkers contributed foundational ideas to classical liberalism.
Which modern movement has revived classical liberalism?
Neo-liberalism
Prominent neo-liberals include Friedrich Hayek.
What concept did Locke introduce that was seen as revolutionary?
Government by consent
This concept emphasized the idea that the state should serve the people.
What historical events did Locke’s philosophy influence?
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the American revolt in 1775
Locke’s ideas provided a philosophical basis for these revolutions.
What was central to the French Revolution of 1789 according to the text?
The support for rationalism
Rationalism suggested that human nature was guided by reason.
What did Mary Wollstonecraft argue regarding the view of women?
It was an affront to both reason and liberty
She believed both genders had natural rights, which challenged authority.
True or False: Mary Wollstonecraft’s views were widely accepted by those in authority.
False
Her views were considered dangerous by many in positions of power.
What is negative liberty?
A key feature of classical liberalism reflecting the idea that individuals should be left alone to determine their own futures.
Closely connected to J.S. Mill’s text, On Liberty.
Who is associated with the concept of negative liberty?
J.S. Mill
Specifically through his work, On Liberty.
What is the main argument of J.S. Mill regarding individual freedom?
The Harm Principle- Unless a man’s actions could be considered harmful to others, there should be no interference with his natural right to freedom.
According to Locke, how is society defined?
Society is naturally ‘atomistic’, defined by a multitude of self-interested and self-sufficient individuals.
What do liberals support regarding government?
Liberals support the idea of minimal government
How do liberals view liberty?
As the absence of restraint
What distinguishes a liberal state from a minimal government?
The liberal state is quite extensive due to its checks and balances
What does minimal government refer to?
How much governing the state should undertake, rather than its actual structure
Who believed that governments should be limited in their actions?
Locke and Mill
Is minimal government guaranteed by a limited, constitutional state?
No, it is not guaranteed
In what type of state is minimal government more likely to occur?
In a limited, constitutional state rather than an autocratic state
What is laissez-faire capitalism?
A minimal government intervention in economic affairs.
Which philosophical group is associated with a minimal view of economics?
Classical liberals.
What did Adam Smith argue in The Wealth of Nations (1776)?
Capitalism has a limitless capacity to enrich individuals and society with minimal state intervention.
What notion reflects the idea of negative liberty in the context of capitalism?
The state should adopt a laissez-faire approach to the market economy.
During which century did the ideas of laissez-faire capitalism become orthodox in the UK and USA?
19th century.
