Liberalism Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the core belief of liberalism?
Individual freedom is the most important political value.
What are the two main strands of liberalism?
Classical liberalism and modern liberalism.
What do classical liberals believe?
Minimal state, free markets, negative freedom, and individual responsibility.
What do modern liberals believe?
An enabling state, positive freedom, and some redistribution of wealth to ensure fairness.
What is negative freedom?
the state doesnt get involved with liberty
classical liberal belief
What is positive freedom?
the state is invovled with personal freedom and helps it be achieved
associated with modern liberalism.
What is the liberal view of human nature?
Humans are rational, capable of self-improvement, and naturally seek liberty.
What is individualism?
The belief in the supreme importance of the individual over any collective body.
What is the liberal view of the state?
It should exist to protect individual liberty but must be limited (classical) or enabling (modern).
What is the social contract? AKA Govt by consent
The idea that government authority is based on the consent of the governed.
John Lockes idea
What is tolerance in liberalism?
Respecting the rights and views of others, even if you disagree with them.
What is the rule of law?
Everyone is subject to the law, and no one is above it.
What is constitutionalism?
Government should be limited by a constitution and operate according to agreed rules.
What is liberal democracy?
A democracy that protects individual rights and liberties and limits state power.
What is the liberal view of the economy?
Support for capitalism, private property, and free markets (with more or less regulation depending on strand).
modern liberals want more regulation
What is laissez-faire capitalism?
An economy with minimal state intervention; favoured by classical liberals.
What is the enabling state?
A state that helps individuals to achieve freedom through education, healthcare, and welfare; favoured by modern liberals.
Locke
A classical liberal who argued for natural rights, limited government, and consent of the governed.
JSM
A bridge figure between classical and modern liberalism; supported liberty, tolerance, and some state intervention.
What is Mill’s ‘harm principle’?
The idea that individuals are free to do what they like as long as they do not harm others.
Mary Wollstonecraft
A classical liberal feminist who argued for women’s rights and equality of opportunity.
her big thing is being a feminist
John Rawls
Modern Liberal
Liberal democracy should guarentee equal basic liberties for all
“veil of ignorance”- Society would work best if it was designed by people who didnt know their own status
Difference principle
Social and economic policies are allowed to be unequal if they benefit the least fortunate in society
What is the ‘original position’?
hypothetical situation in which the veil of ignorance happens. people structure society without knowing what roles theyd have
