Liberalism Flashcards
John Locke (classical liberal): key ideas= social contract theory and limited government
“where there is no law, there is no freedom”
optimistic view of human nature = people are rational
society is made up of self-seeking individuals
mechanistic view of the state = it is a servant to the people
the social contract = individuals must sacrifice some of their liberties in return for protection from the state
John Stuart Mill (classical liberal, bridges a bit): key ideas= harm principle (proposed by Green) and tolerance
key concept = harm principle
human nature desires to be free of control by others (negative liberties)
wants a limited state; intervention leads to the death of liberal democracy
laissez-faire capitalism = no state involvement within the economy
Mary Wollstonecraft (classical liberal): key ideas= reason (women= just as capable of reason) and formal equality (equal status in society- needed to ensure women are truly free)
“virtue can only flourish amongst equals”
all humans are capable of being rational; everyone should be treated as such
society has infantilised woman which inhibits individualism
women should receive formal equality under law; establishes foundational equality
liberated women can thrive independently and enhance a free market economy
John Rawls (modern liberal): key ideas = the theory of justice (to allow freedom, society must guarantee each citizen a life worth living) and the veil of ignorance
“a just society is one where the worst off are well off enough to get by”
optimistic view of human nature = everyone is ultimately rational
difference principle = it is ok for there to be inequality of outcome if it benefits the poorest in society
belief in state involvement within the economy; ensures everyone has a base standard of living
Betty Friedan (modern liberal): key ideas= legal equality (for men and women e.g equal access to political institutions) and equal opportunity for men and women
women are as rational as men
society needs to reform in order for women to experience individualism
enabling state = must provide childcare so woman can work
liberated women are an asset to the economy
