Key Ideas Of Classical Liberalism - Human Nature

Question 1

What are the 4 key areas of human nature

Answer 1

-egotistical
-rational
-progressive
-optimistic

Question 2

How did classical liberalists view human nature regarding them being egotistical

Answer 2

-each human is unique + endowed with certain ‘natural rights’ e.g. right to life
-fundamentally driven by egotistical individualism = driven by self-interest seeking self-realisation, self-determination + self-fulfilment
-when those 3 things are denied humans are left demoralised, de-energised + afflicted by sense of wasted life

Question 3

What is egotistical individualism

Answer 3

-liberal belief human beings naturally drawn to advancement of their own, selfish interests
-humans rational + egotistical individualism doesn’t necessarily lead to conflict

Question 4

What is the desire for humans to seek self-realisation

Answer 4

-ensure we discover our ‘true’ + unique selves free from constraints + expectations of others
-unhindered by conventions of society

Question 5

What is the desire for humans to seek self-determination

Answer 5

-ensure we are the masters of our own fate + the realities of our lives can be attributed to our own efforts + achievements

Question 6

What is the desire for humans to seek self-fulfilment

Answer 6

-ensure we have fully utilised our ‘natural rights’ + made the most of our particular talents

Question 7

What do liberal thinkers argue our human nature is like despite being egotistical

Answer 7

-Locke + Mill argue that despite being egotistical humans are also rational + respectful to others
-guided by reason + logic rather than emotion + impulse
-if humans don’t respect each other in their pursuits of self-realisation then they will not respect us

Question 8

How do liberal thinkers view human nature as also progressive

Answer 8

-human nature not set in stone + is continuously progressing through greater knowledge etc.
-known as developmental individualism linking strongly to Utilitarianism (James Mill + John Mill)
-humans guided by pursuit of pleasure + avoidance of pain

Question 9

What is the view of human nature as optimistic

Answer 9

-given belief in rationalist liberals clearly optimistic about human condition + reject original sin
-reject Old Testament suggesting humanity innately flawed + inclined to fail arguing human nature has capacity to effect steady progress + increase human happiness