liberalism key words

Question 1

foundational equality

Answer 1

We are all born with equal entitlement

Question 2

formal equality

Answer 2

Equal status for all members of society regardless of social background i.e liberals are ‘difference blind’

Question 3

equality of opportunity

Answer 3

liberals endorse measures designed to break down barriers that hold people back, such as racism, homophobia, sexism and transphobia

Question 4

social contract

Answer 4

this refers to the invisible contract between the people and the state. Both parties to the contract should behave as if it was a tangiable and real. By entering a social contract with the state, the individual is seeking to protect their liberty from the actions of those that pose a threat to it. Far from representing a loss of liberty, offering consent to the state strengths the liberty of the individual. The state has the right to punish those who break the law in some way. Equally, the state must limit itself to that which protects our liberties and freedom

Question 5

Meritocracy

Answer 5

Meritocracy strives to ensure that we are defined by merit and ability rather than the social circumstances of our birth. In a meritocratic society, the emphasis is on achieved status rather than acquired status

Question 6

Mechanistic theory

Answer 6

The state is like an artificial machine and is created by individuals with the express purpose to protect their freedoms. Mechanistic theory states that our behaviour is determined by the interactions between individuals; it is the opposite of the conservative view that society is an organism in which the state evolves over time. Mechanical societies are also baes upon the equal worth of individuals

Question 7

tolerance

Answer 7

liberals celebrate the right of the individual to create their own path in life. Humans possess free will and should all be allowed to make the most of their abilities and potential. Society must welcome an array of lifestyle choices provided no one is being harmed by such actions. The argument similarly applies to celebrating diverse cultures.

Question 8

Limited government

Answer 8

a limited government is one in which the powers of the state are limited by law, usually in a written/codified constitution

Question 9

Egoistical individualism

Answer 9

Associated with classical liberalism. Individuals ain to satisfy their own wants and needs. As such, there is no such thing as society- merely a collection of egoistical, self-interested and self-reliant individuals. This should result in a minimal state

Question 10

Developmental individualism

Answer 10

Associated with modern liberals, who adopt a more developed view of humanity which recognises our desire to live in harmony with one another. It assumes that we may choose to make social progress and express a degree of altruism. Therefore, the state should provide essential welfare services and some level of wealth distribution

Question 11

Negative freedom

Answer 11

Freedom from something. Supported by classical liberals, and linked to laissez-faire economics and a limited role for the state

Question 12

Positive freedom

Answer 12

Freedom to do something. Supported by social liberals, and linked to the welfare state

Question 13

Laissez-faire capitalism

Answer 13

An economic system based upon private ownership and market forces. Classical liberals argue that a free market facilitates the optimum allocation of scarce resources within an economy

Question 14

Keynesian economics

Answer 14

Keynes argued that government intervention was vital to uphold the capitalist system. He rejected the argument that the market is a self-correcting mechanism naturally inclined towards reaching a state of equilibrium. State intervention is therefore both necessary and justified to prevent that collapse of capitalism

Question 15

Harm principle

Answer 15

John Stuart Mill made a clear distinction between self-regarding and other-regarding actions. He argued that individuals are free to engage in self-regarding actions even when society considers those actions to be improper. However, a sanction may be imposed when such actions impinge upon the freedom of others i.e. when their actions harm others

Question 16

Minimal state

Answer 16

All liberals believe in the rights of the individual; for liberals, history warns us that the biggests threat to individual liberty is the state. The liberal outlook is a permissive one that facilitates the pursuit of personal pleasure

Question 17

Enabling state

Answer 17

Those on the libertarian-left of the political spectrum argue that the state should accept some level of responsibility towards meeting out welfare needs. This is consistent with the liberal goals such as the maximizing freedom and equal opportunities. Those who are disadvantaged within society require a degree of state assistance to truly experience a life of liberty. The state is therefore justified in allocating a modest redistribution of wealth within society. To fund the welfare state, modern liberals favour a degree of progressive taxation. Whilst this enables a modest level of wealth redistribution, there is no justification for punitive levels of taxation.