Liberalism Flashcards
(17 cards)
What core values unite modern and classical liberals?
Individualism, liberty, natural rights, tolerance, and respect for individuals as autonomous and rational beings.
What were Locke’s views on rights and the state?
Believed in natural rights (life, liberty, property) and that government should exist only by consent to protect these freedoms.
How does Rawls uphold liberal individualism?
He built his theory around individual rights, stating justice is the “first virtue of social institutions.”
How do classical and modern liberals differ on the concept of freedom?
Classical liberals (e.g. Mill) support negative freedom – freedom from interference.
Modern liberals (e.g. Rawls, Friedan) support positive freedom – freedom to fulfil one’s potential, often requiring state support.
What did Mill say about liberty?
Supported negative liberty and minimal state interference to allow self-determination.
How did Rawls justify state intervention for freedom?
Through his “veil of ignorance” — state intervention is justified to ensure fairness and opportunity, especially for the disadvantaged.
What was Betty Friedan’s view on freedom?
Women faced social barriers and needed structural support (e.g. education, equality laws) to access true freedom.
Did Mill support the modern liberal state?
Only partially. Though he moved toward reform later in life, he remained committed to individual liberty and limited state power.
What was Mill’s concern about the state and society?
Feared “tyranny of the majority”; developed the harm principle to protect individuals from both state and societal interference.
What constitutional principles do all liberals support?
Limited government
Accountability
Protection of individual rights
How do modern liberals shift focus from the economy to society?
They prioritise social fairness over pure economic freedom and support state intervention to remove social disadvantages.
How did Rawls justify state involvement in society?
His difference principle justified redistribution to promote equality of opportunity and fairness in society.
What social concern runs across all liberal strands?
The role of the individual in society — promoting tolerance, pluralism, and individual autonomy.
What did Wollstonecraft argue regarding society?
Women must be included in public and political life, combining rationalism with a push for social equality.
What did J.S. Mill say about the economy?
Favoured laissez-faire and minimal intervention, though he later accepted limited social reform.
How do classical & modern liberals view welfare?
They see it as undermining responsibility and creating dependency.
Essential for equal opportunity, helping people overcome structural disadvantages.
What did Wollstonecraft and Friedan argue about support for women?
Both supported structural reform to allow women to thrive — implying a redistributive role for the state.
