Liberalism Flashcards
(47 cards)
What are the core tenets of Liberalism?
- Individualism
- Liberty
- Rationality
- Justice/Equality
- Toleration
What is the definition of Individualism?
The belief in the suprem importance of the individual over any social group or collective body
What are the 4 kinds of individualism?
- Methodological Individualism
- Ethical Individualism
- Egoistic Individualism
- Developmental Individualism
What does methodological individualism suggest?
- The individual is central to any political theory or social explanation.
- All statements about society should be made in terms of individuals who compose it.
- It is descriptive
What does ethical individualism suggest?
- Society SHOULD be constructed to benefit the individual and their rights/needs/interests
- It is normative
What is egoistic individualism and who subscribes to it?
- Classical liberals
- You should look after yourself and satisfy your own interests only
What kind of economic system goes hand in hand with egoistic individualism
free market economics
What are the political implications of egoistic individualism?
State is viewed as a necessary evil and must be minimised to only protect individual rights but nothing more to prevent corruption
What is developmental individualism and who subscribes to it?
- Modern Liberals
- Individual development and flourishing is more important than personal interest satisfaction
What kind of economic system goes with developmental individualism?
Mixed economy with a welfare state
What are the political implications of developmental liberalism?
More government intervention is legitimate as long as it acts to remove obstacles to individual flourishing hisself (e.g. education, health)
What do Classical Liberals think about the Developmental Individualist view on the government
Government intervention is illegitimate even if it helps overcome obstacles to development because it will necessarily restrict liberty elsewhere to do so.
What is the general definition of ‘Freedom’?
The ability to think or act as one wishes
What is Positive Freedom?
The Freedom TO DO anything you choose, due to the development of human capacities
What is Negative Freedom?
Freedom FROM external restraints (e.g. imprisonment or tax). (Fits well with minimal state, and egoistic individualism)
What kind of freedom do Classical Liberals believe in?
Negative Freedom
What kind of freedom do Modern Liberals believe in?
Positive Freedom
What is the general rule about the limitations of liberty for a liberal?
Freedom extends in every circumstance except those in which you inhibit other’s ‘3 Natural Rights’ (e.g. stealing, killing, kidnapping, etc.)
What are John Locke’s 3 Natural Rights?
Life, Liberty, Property
What did J.S. Mill think about the limits of freedom?
- Total Freedom in Self Regarding Acts (even drugs)
- Limited freedom in other regarding acts, so no harm can be caused
What are the limitations of J.S. Mill’s view on the limits of freedom?
- How do you quantify harm? Physical vs Psych?
- How can you be sure it won’t cause harm?
Explain the Liberal belief in Rationality/Reason
- Open Debate and Discussion is important to resolve conflict
- Leads to progress because cumulative growth of human understanding
What kinds of Equality do Liberals believe in?
- Foundational Equality
- Formal Equality
- Equality of Opportunity
What is Foundational Equality?
All lives have equivalent moral worth and people have natural rights (Locke)
