LIBERALISM KEY TERMS

Question 1

Key terms 1, foundational equality

Answer 1

1. Foundational Equality
   The liberal belief that all individuals are born equal in moral worth and rights. This means everyone deserves equal respect and basic liberties, such as freedom of speech or legal protection, simply by being human.
   Example: Everyone is entitled to human rights regardless of class, race, or gender.

Question 2

Formal equality

Answer 2

2. Formal Equality
   The idea that all individuals should be treated equally under the law, without privilege or discrimination.
   Example: Equal voting rights for all citizens.

Question 3

Equality of opportunity

Answer 3

3. Equality of Opportunity
   The principle that everyone should have a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background. It does not guarantee equal outcomes, but it insists on a level playing field.
   Example: Free access to education so all can compete fairly in the job market.

Question 4

John Locke social contract theory

Answer 4

4. Social Contract
   A foundational liberal idea that governments are formed by individuals consenting to be governed in exchange for protection of their rights. If the government violates this agreement, it loses legitimacy.
   Key Thinker: John Locke.
   Example: Citizens agree to follow laws in return for legal protection and civil rights.

Question 5

Meritocracy

Answer 5

5. Meritocracy
   A system where power and rewards are based on individual talent, effort, and achievement, rather than birth or wealth.
   Example: A student from a poor background gets into university based on academic performance.

Question 6

Mechanistic theory

Answer 6

6. Mechanistic Theory
   The liberal view that society is constructed by individuals, not organically developed. Like a machine, society can be reshaped through reason and reform to better protect liberty and rights.
   Contrasts with conservative views of society as a natural organism.

Question 7

Tolerance

Answer 7

7. Tolerance
   A liberal value that emphasizes accepting different views, lifestyles, and beliefs, as long as they do not harm others. Essential for a pluralist, free society.
   Example: Freedom of religion and expression in a diverse society.

Question 8

Harm principle

Answer 8

8. Harm Principle
   Introduced by John Stuart Mill, this principle states that individuals should be free to act however they wish unless their actions harm others. It defines the limits of personal liberty.
   Example: You can smoke, but not where it harms others (e.g., near children).

Question 9

Minimal state

Answer 9

9. Minimal State
   Favoured by classical liberals, it is the idea that the state should only exist to protect individual rights, private property, and national security. Any further involvement is seen as a threat to liberty.
   Example: A government that only runs the police, courts, and military.

Question 10

Enabling state

Answer 10

10. Enabling State
    Supported by modern liberals, this is a state that takes active measures to empower individuals, especially the disadvantaged, by providing services like education and healthcare.
    Example: The welfare state or public education system.

Question 11

Egotistical individualism

Answer 11

11. Egoistical Individualism
    A belief in the self-reliant, rational individual who seeks to maximize personal freedom and success, often associated with classical liberalism.
    Example: A business owner who believes success depends solely on personal effort.

Question 12

Developmental individualism

Answer 12

12. Developmental Individualism
    Associated with modern liberalism, this view sees individual freedom as the ability to grow and flourish, which requires support such as education or social welfare.
    Example: A child from a low-income family receiving a scholarship to access quality education.

Question 13

Negative freedom

Answer 13

13. Negative Freedom
    Freedom from external interference or restraint, particularly from the state. A key idea in classical liberalism.
    Example: Freedom of speech without government censorship.

Question 14

Positive freedom

Answer 14

14. Positive Freedom
    Freedom to develop and achieve one’s potential, which may require state intervention to remove social or economic barriers. Embraced by modern liberals.
    Example: Access to education or healthcare enabling someone to live independently.

Question 15

Laissez-faire capitalism or free market capitalism

Answer 15

15. Laissez-faire Capitalism
    An economic system with minimal government interference, where markets are left to regulate themselves. Supported by classical liberals as a means of preserving economic freedom.
    Example: No government price controls or subsidies.

Question 16

Keynesian

Answer 16

16. Keynesianism
    An economic theory adopted by modern liberals, arguing that the government should intervene in the economy, especially during downturns, to manage demand and prevent unemployment.
    Example: Government stimulus spending during a recession to boost jobs and growth.

Question 17

Limited government

Answer 17

17. Limited Government
    A core liberal principle that state power should be restricted by laws and constitutions to prevent tyranny and protect individual freedoms.
    Example: Separation of powers and checks and balances in liberal democracies.