liberalism Flashcards
(29 cards)
core ideas
individualism
freedom/liberty
harm principle
Rationalism
Equality/ social justice
liberal democracy
state
John Stuart Mill
Harm principle
argued in favour of tolerance
John Locke
Social contract theory
Mechanist Theory
government must be limited and based on consent
right to govern must come from the people
ideal government not fully demorcratic must be separation of powers tho
John Locke
Social contract theory
Mechanist Theory
government must be limited and based on consent
right to govern must come from the people
ideal government not fully demorcratic must be separation of powers tho
Wollstonecraft
asked why women did not have these rights
women can contribute to society if educated
Betty friedan
examined role of public and private spheres
agreed with limited role of governemnt
women trapped in domestic life reform via legislation and pressure groups
John Rawls
veil of ignorance
opt for much fairer system
aim of gov should be to achieve liberty for all
individualism
- individual should be at the centre of political thought must always take priority over any group
every person born of equal value
human nature
human nature is rational and individuals are capable of making moral judgements
egoistical individualism
connected to classical liberalism
suggests that humans are egotistical and self seeking and put themselves before others.
developmental individualism
connected to modern liberalism, this suggests that true freedom is the ability to achive goals and potential so that if one person is not free no one is
negative freedom
absence of external constraints on actions
individuals total control over the private sphere of the home and personal life
positive freedoms
ability to acheive ones potential and to achive personal goals
not only in the absence of external constraints but the ability to be fufilled and not have ones talents wasted
tolerance
acceptance of a wide range of beliefs and lifesyles cultures and religions
harm principle
Mills thoery
individuals should be thier own masters in every way
there should be no intervention in thier activities unless it can be seen that they will harm others
limited government
system of checks and balances such s separation of powers
in order to prevent the concentration of power and the tendency of those in authority to attempt to increase thier power
enabling state
associated with modern liberalism
offers handup not handout
to ensure that individuals are helped to achieve their ambitions and aims can be free in a positive state
mechanistic theory
in opposition of idea of organic society
the state is an artificial creation
devised by man to protect individual freedom
social contract theory
government based on contract between citizens and the state
citizens agree to give up limited part of their freedom
in return for protection of law
Rationalism
Humans have an innate understanding of right and wrong
can make logical decisions based on facts
individual is best judge of thier own actions
individuals should be given as much freedom as possible
foundational equality
all born equal
natrual inalienable rights
impossible to take away
formal equality
equality before law
equality must be ensured by law
must treat everyone the same
equality of opportunity
everyone should have the same chances to get on in life and to achieve goals
regardless of social background
Meritocracy
a society in which everyone has the chance to better themselves based on equal opportunity
