Liberalism Lesson 2 : Core Ideas

Question 1

What did Liberalism’s view on Human Nature reflect/reject?

Answer 1

Strongly reflected the views associated with the Enlightement.
Ideas from John Locke later refined by thinkers such as John Stuart Mill.
Rejected MEDIEVAL notion: mankind was flawed and only God could forgive.

Question 2

What optimistic view of Human Nature did liberal thinkers have?
Capacity - forge -guided

Answer 2

Capacity to bring about progress.
Ability to forge human happiness.
Guided by reason + rationalism (through debate, discussion leading to consensus)

Question 3

What is the natural condition of human nature according to liberals?

Answer 3

Self-aware individuals, living in peace, harmony and mutual understanding.

Question 4

Why is liberalism said to have an optimistic view of human nature?

Answer 4

Point: Liberalism thought humans had a huge capacity to bring about progress and forge human happiness guided by reason.
Example: Mechanistic Theory of John Locke. Rational beings able to calculate answers to all problems and foster happiness.
Explain: Liberalism resolved that through peaceful debate and examined ideas humans could resolve challenges and shape their destinies.