Liberalism 9 markers

Question 1

Explain and analyse three ways in which liberal thinkers viewed the role of the state in the economy.

Answer 1

1. Classical liberals believed that state intervention in the economy should be minimal
   E.g. John Locke argued that the free market, based on the principle of private property, leaves the role of the state as the protection of property and the enforcement of contracts.
2. Modern liberals believed that the state should play a larger role in the economy
   E.g. Thomas Hill Green saw the injustices that free-market capitalism was creating, so the state needs to intervene in the economy to promote positive freedom
   (help people help themselves)
3. Some liberals believed that the state should benefit the poorest of society
   E.g. John Rawls used the original position and the ‘veil of ignorance’ to argue that individuals would select a society based on fairness. So the state should implement progressive taxation and redistribution of wealth.
4. Some liberals saw the state as a way of ensuring economic equality for women
   E.g. Freidan argued that the state should
   provide women with the right to property and
   the right to work
   (women would not need to marry out of financial necessity)

Question 2

Explain and analyse three ways in which the concept of human nature is significant to liberal thinkers.

Answer 2

1. Liberals thinkers have a positive view of human nature
   E.g. John Locke argued that all humans are born free and born rational, and that individuals should be given the widest possible freedom
   (allowing them to act according to their will which is based on their possession of reason)
2. Some liberal thinkers emphasised that the optimistic view of human nature extends to women
   E.g. Betty Freidan argued that women are human, humans are rational and so women are rational also
   (thus deserve equal rights with men)
3. Classical liberals have justified negative freedom due to the liberal view of human nature
   E.g. John Start Mill’s optimistic view of human nature can be seen in the principle of developmental individualism: society should be built to give freedom to individuals
   (allowing people constantly develop their distinctive talents, characteristics and knowledge, without restraint)

Question 3

Explain and analyse three ways in which liberal ideas limit personal freedom.

Answer 3

1. Classical liberals believe in restricting the rights of some individuals to protect the rights of others
   E.g. John Stuart Mill’s harm principle, the only limitation should be when an individual’s actions harm the freedom of others
   (creates widest possible freedom)
2. Modern liberals believe in positive liberty
   E.g. T.H. Green believed that an enlarged state with more laws, taxation etc.
   (would result in greater quality of life since the state can help the poorest and enhance their freedom)
3. Classical liberals believe that giving up some personal freedom to the government would benefit them
   E.g. John Locke’s contract theory stated that by voluntarily consenting to accept the state’s rulings, the state would in return improve their situation