Liberalism: key terms Flashcards
(31 cards)
Mechanistic theory
Mankind is rational and therefore capable of devising a state that meets mankind’s needs. In opposition to the Divine Right of Kings, which argued that obedience to the monarch was a religious duty.
Egotistical individualism
Human beings will advance their own interests in the pursuit of happiness. But, as man is also rational, this will not lead to conflict or gross insensitivity.
Economic liberalism
Also known as capitalism. Its links to liberalism are a belief in the “natural right” to private property, individualism (involving individual traders co-operating and competing), and that it’s for the ultimate benefit of all, reflecting liberalism’s belief in progress.
Individualism
The individual should be at the heart of political thought, the economy and society. Politicians should therefore enable self-determination, self-realisation and self-fulfilment.
Self-determination
Control over one’s own life
Self-realisation
Reaching full potential
Self-fulfilment
Achieving one’s “personal mission”
State of nature
What life might have been like before laws and governments.
Social contract
The “deal” between governments and governed. The governed submit to the state’s laws, and the government guarantees certain rights. If the government violates those rights, the contract is broken and the citizen need no longer obey the government’s laws.
Harm principle (or tolerance principle)
Views and activities should be tolerated as long as they do not harm the freedom of others.
Foundational or legal equality
Every individual is born equal, with equal natural rights.
Equality of opportunity
All individuals should be allowed similar opportunities to develop their potential.
Limited government
A state limited in what it can do by the constitution. The opposite of arbitrary, monarchical rule.
Laissez-faire capitalism
An economic system which allows private enterprise and market forces to operate with little or no state interference.
Negative liberty
Freedom FROM something; or, the absence of restraint: Individuals are naturally free until something or someone stops them doing what they want to. Allows individuals to be left alone to pursue their destiny.
Minimal state
Reflects “negative liberty” by minimising state activity such as taxation, while maintaining it in areas such as defence.
Classical liberalism
A belief in liberalism’s revolutionary potential, negative liberty, the minimal state and laissez-faire capitalism.
Developmental individualism
JS Mill’s focus on what individuals could become, rather than what they had become - emphasising the value of formal education.
Modern liberalism
In response to the industrial revolution and the extension of the franchise, a belief in positive freedom, an enabling state, constitutional change and social liberalism.
Positive freedom
Freedom TO DO something.
Individuals left alone are often inhibited rather than free, thus they must be helped to help themselves
Enabling state
One that sees to “liberate” people from restrictive social and economic problems, thus “enabling” them, e.g. through progressive taxation and laws regulating industrial practices.
Veil of ignorance
Rawls’: if people had no idea about the type or role they would have in a society, they would design (from behind this “veil of ignorance” a fairer one.
Social liberalism
Updated version of the historic liberal belief in tolerance. Involves legislation to protect individuals from discrimination.
The Enlightenment
A 17th/18th century intellectual movement defined by a belief in reason rather than faith, leading to many radical ideas.
