Liberalism Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the core principle of Liberalism?
The primacy of individual liberty, protected by rights, tolerance, and limited government.
What are the two main branches of Liberalism?
Classical Liberalism (minimal state, negative freedom) and Modern Liberalism (state intervention, positive freedom).
How does John Locke justify natural rights?
Humans have inalienable rights (life, liberty, property) that precede government (social contract theory).
What is negative freedom?
Freedom from interference (e.g., state, laws) – associated with Classical Liberals like J.S. Mill.
What is positive freedom?
Freedom to achieve potential, requiring state support (e.g., education, healthcare) – Modern Liberals like T.H. Green.
What is J.S. Mill’s “harm principle”?
Individuals should be free unless they harm others (“On Liberty”).
How does Liberalism view human nature?
Optimistic – humans are rational, capable of self-improvement (contrasts with Conservative pessimism)
What is the liberal view on the state?
Necessary to protect liberty but must be limited (constitutionalism, checks and balances).
What is the difference between mechanistic and organic state theory?
Liberals see the state as mechanistic (created by people to serve them), unlike Conservatives’ organic view.
What is Rawls’ “veil of ignorance”
A just society is designed as if no one knows their future status (“A Theory of Justice”).
What is the liberal stance on equality?
Supports equality of opportunity (meritocracy) but rejects enforced equality of outcome (vs. Socialism).
How do Classical and Modern Liberals differ on the economy?
Classical: Laissez-faire (Adam Smith). Modern: Keynesianism (state manages economy).
What is Mary Wollstonecraft’s contribution to Liberalism?
Early feminist – argued for women’s rationality and rights (“A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”).
What is toleration in Liberalism?
Accepting differing views (e.g., Mill’s marketplace of ideas) to prevent tyranny of the majority.
How does Liberalism justify democracy?
Government by consent protects liberty (Locke), but warns of “tyranny of the majority” (Mill).
What is the liberal view on society?
Pluralist – values diversity, opposes imposed uniformity (e.g., religious tolerance).
What is the difference between individualism and collectivism?
Liberals prioritize individualism (self-reliance), contrasting with socialist collectivism.
How does Friederich Hayek critique state intervention?
Central planning leads to “road to serfdom” (loss of freedom and inefficiency).
What is the liberal approach to international relations?
Supports cosmopolitanism, free trade, and international cooperation (e.g., UN, EU).
How does Modern Liberalism address poverty?
Welfare state (e.g., Beveridge Report) to enable positive freedom, unlike Classical Liberal self-reliance.
