Foundations Of Liberalism Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is Liberalism?
Rooted in liberty, emphasizing freedom, individual rights, and reason. Developed during the Enlightenment. Foundation for capitalism, modern democracies, and ethical governance. Aimed to adapt laws for trade, industry, and human dignity. Helped hold societies together and protect people from abuse of power
Key Liberal Values
- Individual Autonomy: People should govern themselves, not be controlled.
- Belief in Progress: Society can improve through reason and science.
- Resistance to Power: Liberty is the default; restrictions must be justified.
- Fundamental Equality: All humans have equal dignity and worth, promoting pluralism.
Alan Wolfe’s Three Aspects of Liberalism
- Substantive: Liberalism as a set of competing principles/beliefs (distinct from conservative, socialist, etc.).
- Procedural: Liberalism about how government works – openness, separation of power, checks/balances, suspicion of absolutism. One can be substantively conservative but procedurally liberal.
- Temperamental: Liberalism as an openness to the world, willingness to experiment and be inventive
PRICES: 6 Core Principles of Liberalism
- P – Private Property.
- R – Rule of Law (laws apply equally to all, fair, transparent, prevents arbitrary governance).
- I – Individual Rights and Freedoms (speech, religion, assembly, privacy, fair trial, due process). Often considered the most vital.
- C – Competition (Political: parties/elections; Economic: free markets, minimal regulation).
- E – Economic Freedom (Choice in employment, entrepreneurship, property).
- S – Self-Interest (People act to improve well-being, drives progress)
Classical vs. Modern Liberalism (Government Role)
Classical: Government should be small and passive. Minimal interference, especially in the economy. Primarily protects rights and maintains order.
Modern: Government should actively help people, especially the struggling, to ensure everyone has a fair chance at freedom. Supports education, healthcare, and equality. Seen by some as a necessary evolution due to criticisms (like from socialists). Both value protecting human freedom
Social Contract Theory
People give up some freedom in exchange for government protection and order. Assumes people are rational and want peace and safety. Without rules, life is chaotic/violent. Government power comes from the people (“consent of the governed”). Government should protect natural rights (life, liberty, property). If government fails, people can change or replace it.
Thomas Hobbes (Contribution to Liberalism)
Believed a strong central ruler (Leviathan) was needed to avoid chaos (“war of every man against every man”). In a state of nature, unchecked freedom leads to constant conflict, life is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”. Giving up some freedom to a powerful ruler is necessary for peace and order. (Note: Hobbes’ vision of an absolute ruler is now largely out of favor in democracies)
John Locke (Contribution to Liberalism)
Government must be accountable to the people. Government’s purpose is to protect natural rights (life, liberty, and property). If the government doesn’t protect these rights, the people have the right to revolt. His ideas echoed in the American Declaration of Independence
Montesquieu (Contribution to Liberalism)
Proposed the separation of powers. Divided government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This system prevents any single branch or person from having too much power. His framework supports Locke’s idea of government accountability by providing checks and balances. His ideas help prevent authoritarianism today.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Contribution to Liberalism)
Argued society is human-created and can be reformed. Believed decisions should be based on the “General Will” (collective will, often majority rule). This supports democratic ideals like political change through consensus and participation. His ideas support the concept of “consent of the governed”
John Stuart Mill (Contribution to Liberalism)
Argued individual rights are essential. Rights should be limited only when one person’s actions harm another. This is his “Harm Principle”. It balances personal freedom with the responsibility not to infringe on others’ freedoms, maximizing freedom while protecting society
Adam Smith (Contribution to Liberalism)
Advocated for free markets and limited government intervention (laissez-faire) in the economy. Believed people pursuing self-interest would be guided by an “invisible hand” to benefit society. Challenged government-controlled mercantilism which favored elites. Encourages competition, innovation, efficiency, and wealth creation. Middle class (bourgeoisie) benefited most initially
French Revolution (Context and Outcome vs. Philosopher Ideas)
Began 1789, seen as a turning point challenging the old system of privilege and absolute power. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals (freedom, liberty, reason, equality, natural rights).
- Vs. Hobbes: The French monarchy failed to provide the stability Hobbes believed a strong ruler would, showing his vision fell apart.
- Vs. Locke: The absolute monarchy ignored people’s needs and rights, failing Locke’s standard for a government, justifying revolt.
The revolution was a result of the government failing both Hobbes’ order and Locke’s rights protection.
Why did early liberals limit voting rights?
Liberalism values reason and logic, assuming voters make informed decisions. Early liberals worried the uneducated or poor might vote emotionally or support dangerous ideas. They often limited voting rights to educated, property-owning men believed to use reason in voting. Liberalism depends on educated, thoughtful voters
Liberal Principles in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Document from the French Revolution. Shows classical liberal ideas inspired by Locke and Rousseau. Key principles included:
- Consent of the governed (Govt gets power from the people - Article 6).
- Limited government (Must serve public good, follow law).
- Rule of law (Laws apply equally - Article 1).
- Individual rights (Freedom of speech, religion, property protected - Articles 10, 11, 17)
Why is the French Revolution a “Bourgeois Revolution”?
The bourgeoisie (middle class: merchants, professionals) were gaining wealth but lacked political power. They were the main group pushing for liberal reforms (fair taxation, equal rights, political say). Many historians view it as the middle class’s way to gain influence and challenge the nobility/monarchy
Liberalism in the Canadian Constitution/Charter
Principles of classical liberalism are embedded in the Canadian Constitution, especially the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982). The Charter guarantees fundamental freedoms (speech, religion, assembly), democratic rights, and legal rights (fair trial). It upholds the rule of law and protects property rights and economic freedoms. The Charter limits government powers, preventing infringement on liberties
John Ralston Saul’s Argument on Canadian Liberalism Origins
Argues Canada isn’t just European but deeply shaped by Indigenous cultures (Métis, First Nations, Inuit). Core Canadian values like equality, inclusion, cooperation, balancing individual/group needs, and negotiation are more Indigenous than European. Challenges the idea that Canadian liberalism is purely Western. Argues core liberal values like openness to diversity and inclusive community stem from Indigenous teachings
Credibility and Different Perspectives on Saul’s Argument
Argument is credible considering: Historical contact (Indigenous shaping settlers’ survival/governance), Governance examples (Haudenosaunee Confederacy democracy/consensus before European models), and alignment of modern Canadian values (inclusion, multiculturalism) with Indigenous approaches
- Different perspectives arise from: Eurocentric education (liberalism taught as only European), Cultural bias (assuming only European thinkers shaped democracy), Colonial history (focus on British/French heritage), and newer reconciliation efforts challenging old views
Liberal Ideas in the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace
Contains ideas similar to classical liberalism, developed independently of Europe. Examples: Democracy and participatory government (people have a say). Consensus decision-making (cooperation over competition). Equality and unity among nations. Respect for individual voices. These show liberal themes like freedom, equality, and consensus-based government are strongly embedded. Likely influenced the U.S. Constitution through contact with figures like Franklin
Are Canadian Institutions Solely Based on European Traditions?
Not likely. While influenced by Britain/France (parliamentary democracy, legal systems), there’s evidence of Indigenous influence. This is seen through: Early settler interactions with Haudenosaunee diplomacy/governance. Treaties and negotiations reflecting Indigenous traditions. Ideas about equality, consensus, and collective responsibility. Excluding Indigenous voices leads to a Eurocentric view; including them shows Canada’s political identity is mixed and shared
Liberal Themes Reflected in Indigenous Cultures
Many Indigenous cultures, including the Haudenosaunee, show liberal values: Government by consensus (group agreement). Toleration and freedom (respect for different clans/nations, autonomy). Equality (no group superior). Balance between individual and collective (personal freedom respected within group well-being). These core values came from a non-European tradition
Principles linking Laissez-faire Capitalism with Classical Liberalism
The connection lies in shared values:
- Individual freedom: People free to make economic choices (buy, sell, produce).
- Private property: Individuals own land, businesses, products; key to both.
- Limited government: Economy should be left alone (laissez-faire = “let it be”); minimal interference except to protect rights/property.
- Self-interest: People acting in self-interest benefit society (per Adam Smith).
- Economic freedom = Political freedom: Classical liberals believed economic control led to desire for political say
Industrialization: Arguments from Different Groups
- Middle-class liberals: Supported it for economic freedom, innovation, wealth. Believed success was based on hard work.
- Industrial workers: Often criticized it for poor conditions, low pay, long hours, lack of protections. Wanted more rights and government support.
- Women: Many were overworked, underpaid, with little political rights. Argued for equality, voting rights, and better social/labor conditions.