Liberalism: New Flashcards:
(93 cards)
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What does foundational equality mean?
A belief that all people are born with natural rights that entitle them to liberty and happiness.
In a liberal state this means the rule of law where all people are treated equally under the law.
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What does egoistical individualism mean?
The belief that individual freedom is associated with a rational sense of self reliance and self interest (people are able to make decisions for themselves).
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What does developmental individualism mean?
Both classical and modern liberals think that people must help themselves to improve.
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What does formal equality mean?
Similar to foundational equality.
It includes equality under the law bit also the principle that every individual is entitled to equal treatment in society.
It also includes the idea of equality of opportunity and the abolition of social differences such as gender equality.
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What does social contract mean?
The state is based on a contract between the government and the people.
Government agrees to make itself accountable to the people and to operate within the law while the people should agree to obey the laws and uphold the security of the state.
(The people give power to the state to let them rule and in return the people obey laws).
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Limited government means that governments should be restricted by laws and constitutions (means that gov cant just do whatever they like)
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What does laissez faire capitalism mean?
An idea about the role of the state within a capitalist economy, which proposes that capitalism and wealth creation are enhanced if the state doesnt intervene with market for goods, services and labour.
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What does capitalism mean?
An economic system in which means of production of goods, services are privately owned and operated for profit.
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What does constitutionalism mean?
The belief that a governments authority is determined by a body of laws or a constitution.
e.g. An example of this is the US constitution. A government has to abide by the US constitution and everything that they do has to be backed by the US constitution.
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What does the harm principle mean?
The idea that the state is justified in interfering with people’s freedom when it is to prevent some citizens doing harm to others
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What does minimal state mean?
A concept associated with classical liberalism and modern liberalism.
It suggests that in a free society the state must be strongly controlled and should have a minimal breadth of functions that they can perform.
If the state has too many functions it is likely to interfere with liberties. This concept is also associated with lassiez- faire capitalism
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What does enabling state mean?
A state that doesnt necessarily provide for people directly but creates the conditions where people can help themselves
e.g. education - if you do well in education you will do well in life.
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What does equality of opportunity mean?
All liberals accept that inequality is inevitable in a free society.
Modern liberal’s argue for equality of opportunity (everyone can have a chance and is put on the same playing field) by enabling all citizens to have access to education and for society to be truly meritocratic
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A system of economic management where the state (government) directly intervenes to stimulate the economy to achieve full employment and economic growth
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What does tolerance mean?
Requires a willingness to accept the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.
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What does the mechanistic theory of the state mean?
The idea that the state is not organic but was created by individuals to serve them and act in their interests.
Classical and modern liberals differ in their definitions of what these best interests are
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What is the divine right of kings?
Political and religious idea that asserts that a monarch’s authority comes from God rather than the consent of the people.
(God chose the king to have that position).
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What does state of nature mean?
Refers to the hypothetical condition of humans before the establishment of organised society or government
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What does natural law mean?
A set of moral rules that are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason e.g. it is wrong to kill or steal.
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What does natural rights mean?
Rights that every person is believed to have simply by being human They don’t depend of a personals background or societal status e.g. life, liberty and property.
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What is negative freedom?
Freedom from interference or coercion by others, especially the government. It’s the freedom to act however you choose as long as you’re not infringing on others’ rights.
‘FREEDOM FROM’
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What is positive freedom?
The freedom to actually realise one’s potential and make meaningful choices.
It’s about having the capacity and opportunity to act in ways that are fulfilling and in line with one’s true self.
‘FREEDOM TO’
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What are classical liberals?
Classical liberals advocate for individual freedom, limited government, free markets, and the protection of private property.
They believe government should protect natural rights (life, liberty, and property) but have limited power.
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What do classical liberals believe?
Classical liberals support economic freedom, equality before the law (rule of law), and believe in a minimal state to safeguard individual rights.