Liberalism

Question 1

Origins of Liberalism

Answer 1

• Originated in 17/18th centuries during Enlightenment
• Reaction against monarchy
• Advocated for individual liberty, reason, constitutional government, and the rule of law

Question 2

Key Thinkers: John Locke (1632-1704)

Answer 2

Classic liberal
Human Nature
- Rational, self-interested but aware of others needs.
State
- Based on consent of the governed, representative
Society
- Precedes the state, governed by natural laws and rights.
Economy
- Private property is a natural right, state has to protect

Question 3

Key Thinkers: Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)

Answer 3

Classic liberal
Human Nature
- Men and women are equally rational
State
- Monarchy should be replaced by republic which protects
women’s rights
Society
- Treats women as kids, dependents
Economy
- Free women would help economy grow

Question 4

Key Thinkers: John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)

Answer 4

Classic/Modern liberal
Human Nature
- Rational but progressive, human nature evolves
State
- Should advance cautiously towards representative democracy
Society
- Should value individuality, tolerance, and self-improvement
Economy
- Laissez-faire capitalism enables personal initiative and progress

Question 5

Key Thinkers: John Rawls (1921-2002)

Answer 5

Modern liberal
Human Nature
- Selfish yet empathetic; values liberty and justice
State
- Should support less fortunate through public services, redistribution
Society
- Should allow inequality only if it benefits the least well-off
Economy
- Free markets are acceptable if the state intervenes to uplift the poorest

Question 6

Key Thinkers: Thomas Hill Green (1836-1882)

Answer 6

Modern liberal
Human Nature
- Guided by reason, shaped by social and economic conditions
State
- Must remove barriers to individual liberty, created by inequality
Society
- Industrialisation changed society, new understanding of freedom
Economy
- Free market economy most conducive to individualism, but it can threaten equality of opportunity

Question 7

Key Thinkers: Betty Friedan (1921-2006)

Answer 7

Modern liberal
Human Nature
- Evolved in a way that discourages self-advancement among women
State
- Should outlaw discrimination and ensure legal protection for women
Society
- Remains patriarchal
Economy
- Capitalism can aid female if paired with anti-discrimination laws

Question 8

Liberalism now

Answer 8

• Protects individual rights & equality (LGBTQ+ rights)
• Supports regulated markets & social safety
• Focuses on climate action (e.g., Paris Agreement commitments)
• Promotes global cooperation (e.g., WHO pandemic response)