Liberalism

Question 1

Origins of Liberalism

Answer 1

Enlightenment -
Age of Reason, Philosophical Movement, in the 17th & 18th century = reason rather than faith, challenge rules of monarch & religion e.g. Devine right of Kings.

Question 2

Human Nature pre-enlightenment?

Answer 2

humans were imperfect due to original sin = prey to god for salvation & forgiveness

Question 3

Human Nature post-enlightenment?

Answer 3

Optimistic view driven by rationality & reason - problems solved through discussion not violence (revolution)

Question 4

What does Liberalism reject in regards to Human Nature?

Answer 4

‘Fate’ & ‘Gods Plan’ = individuals can shape their own destiny instead.

Question 5

Criticism of Liberalism view of Human Nature?

Answer 5

Thomas Hobbes; HN is negative & naturally selfish

Question 6

What does John Lock believe in regards to society?

Answer 6

a Natural society with natural laws can facilitate individualism & individual freedom

Question 7

Society & Right to Property?

Answer 7

supported by JSM & JL = property is the prism for individuals to develop their potential/individual freedom

Question 8

Criticism of Liberalism view of Society?

Answer 8

Thomas Hobbes; ‘natural’ society requires a state to survive as human nature must be restrained

Question 9

Adam Smiths book (economy)

Answer 9

‘The Wealth of Nations’ 1776 - ‘laissez fair capitalism’ private ownership, free trade, low government regulation

Question 10

Economy & Private Property

Answer 10

essential for a prosperous society

- ownership of land = productivity in order to pay taxes

Question 11

What type of economic system is supported by Liberalism?

Answer 11

Capitalism (economic liberalism) = positive view of HN ensures trickle down economics

Question 12

What did John S. Mill believe in regards to society?

Answer 12

Individuals are rational in pursuit of their self interests & therefore wish to fulfil their desire to be self-reliant & independent.

Question 13

Objectives of the Liberal State? (7)

Answer 13

Rejection of the 'Traditional State'
Government by consent
Promotion of Natural Rights/Individualism Promotion of tolerance
Meritocracy
Equality of Opportunity 
Justice

Question 14

State: What is the Rejection of the Traditional State?

Answer 14

Rejection of the state that was common in Europe pre-enlightenment - ruled by monarchs & arbitrary rule

Question 15

State: What is a Government by Consent? & quote

Answer 15

a state that is only legitimate if those being governed have chosen who’s in power

Locke - ‘Government should be servant, not master, of the people’

Question 16

State: What is the Promotion of tolerance?

Answer 16

tolerance of those exercising their rights.
(John S Mill) Harm Principle = individuals are free unless their actions ‘harm’ the rights & freedoms of other individuals within the state, later developed by Betty Freidan

Question 17

State: What is ‘Meritocracy’?

Answer 17

Political power should e exercised by those worthy enough to govern
NOT have it passed down = birth should not trump ability (hence rejection of divine right of kings)

Question 18

State: What is Equality of Opportunity

Answer 18

individuals are born equal with equal rights of equal value = equal opportunity of reaching their potential

Failing individuals are responsible for themselves, not the state to blame

Question 19

Classical Liberalism - Key thinkers

Answer 19

John Locke & John Stewart Mill

Question 20

Classical Liberalism - Minimal State?

Answer 20

individual freedom is best achieved by government playing only a minimal role in people’s lives - opposing an expansion of the state.

Question 21

Classical Liberalism - Negative Liberty?

Answer 21

individuals should pursue their destiny = individual liberty is an essential element of self-determination, interference is an infringement on individual liberty

Question 22

Classical Liberalism - Laissez-fair Capitalism?

Answer 22

Minimal state interference to facilitate private enterprise = capitalism

Question 23

When did Later Classical Liberalism emerge?

Answer 23

following industrialisation leading to many leaving the countryside and living in cities

Question 24

Classical Liberalism - Revolution?

Answer 24

Revolutionary Acts may be necessary to challenge pre-enlightenment ideas and establish a government by consent

Question 25

When did Modern Liberalism begin?

Answer 25

Late 19th century

Question 26

Modern Liberalism - 1) Positive Liberty/Social Justice?

Answer 26

T.H. Green - modern societies stoped individualism meaning they could not seek self-determination/realisation - social justices required in order for individuals to still do this.

Question 27

Modern Liberalism - Positive freedom

Answer 27

key aspect, revised 'negative freedom' individuals left alone are inhibited rather than free - need enabling in order to utilise their individual talents & reach their potential

Question 28

Modern Liberalism - 2) Enlarged & enabled state

Answer 28

create a large state to stop socio-economic problems from threatening freedom & individuality

Question 29

Modern Liberalism - Collectivism

Answer 29

Individuals with personal interest are better addressed if they are shared with a common group - Freidrick V. Hayek - betrayed classical liberalism

Question 30

Modern Liberalism - 3) Constitutional Reform/Democracy

Answer 30

enlarged state must be improved - Government by Concent = liberal democracy

Question 31

How do Modern Liberals limit democracy?

Answer 31

against referendums - fear a tyranny of the majority (e.g. Brexit) - dilute democracy to protect liberal values.

Question 32

What is Social Liberalism?

Answer 32

aspect of modern liberalism updating classical liberalisms stress on the 'Promotion of Tolerance'

Question 33

Key Social Liberalist Thinker?

Answer 33

Betty Friedan

Question 34

When did Neo-Liberalism emerge & why?

Answer 34

20th century to bring classical liberalism into modern age, criticising modern liberalism as its socialism betrayed individualism

Question 35

Neo-Liberalism; economic policy?

Answer 35

reemphasis on negative freedom & minimal state, less public spending, privatisation of public services = labelled a conservative ideology

Question 36

3 ways Human Nature is significant to Liberal thinkers?

Answer 36

Mary Woolstonecraft John Stewart Mill Betty Friedan

Question 37

3 ways Society is significant to Liberal thinkers?

Answer 37

John Locke John Stewart Mill John Rawls

Question 38

3 ways the State is significant to Liberal thinkers?

Answer 38

John Locke John Stewart Mill John Rawls