Ideology and Liberalism Flashcards
(108 cards)
Systems of ideas with histories.
Ideologies
These aim to shape social change.
Ideologies
Destrutt de Tracy introduced this as a science in the 1790’s, it was meant to be a science.
Ideology
This historical event marked the birth of the age of ideologies, as people began to question the dominance of political and social ideas.
The French Revolution 1789
What are the 4 functions of an ideology?
- diagnosis/explanation: simplifying 2. evaluation: social and political phenomena - good or bad 3. orientation: identity, how one fits in the social world 4. prescription/program: what should be done and how based on conception of a good society/goal
Is democracy an ideology?
No it is an ideal, almost all ideologies claim to be democratic. It is an abstract and complex political theory.
Religion emphasizes god and the afterlife, while ideologies emphasize:
Life on this world.
This describes basic drives, motivations, limitations and possibilities. Each ideologies’ notion sets limits on what it considers politically possible, therefore this determines political program.
Human nature.
A fairly coherent set of ideas that explains and evaluates societal conditions, helps people understand their place in society and provides a program for social and political action.
Ideology
People who try to persuade others to accept their ideology.
Ideologues
True or false: all isms are ideologies.
False
Religion is concerned with the supernatural, the divine and the afterlife. Ideologies are concerned with:
The here and now
Every ideology claims to defend and extend this.
Freedom
To return to an earlier condition or restore. This meaning was changed to mean radical change and overthrowing the old order in 1789.
Revolution
A group that shares common birth separate from citizenship, historical and territorial communities of belief.
Nation
A sovereign, self governing political unit that expresses feelings and needs of a nation.
Nation-state
Against radical change, conservatives and republicans.
Right wing
For radical change.
Left wing
Ball and Dagger indicate this is a natural attempt to promote personal interests, our primary motive.
Competition
What is the agent for liberalism?
The individual
What are the obstacles to freedom for liberals?
Social and legal barriers, social customs, poverty, race, sexual prejudice, ignorance
What is the goal for liberals?
To live as one chooses
People should obey those in power if they protect the individual, this is the reason for government: who said it?
Hobbes
Individuals are equal, and have a natural right to be free, but a government is created to protect their interests: who said it?
Hobbes