liberals on society Flashcards
(4 cards)
structure
two agree one disagree
agree- liberals should promote freedom and individualism
Society Should Promote Individualism and Freedom
Core Idea: Society should be structured to prioritise individual autonomy over collective interests (e.g., class, religion).
John Locke: Natural rights exist in a pre-political state—life, liberty, and property are inalienable.
Quote: “The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.” (Locke)
2. Freedom as the Foundation of Society
Core Idea: True freedom means individuals can think, speak, and act based on their own judgment, free from coercion.
Mary Wollstonecraft: Women were denied true freedom by societal attitudes and lack of education.
Quote: “Let woman share the rights and she will emulate the virtues of man; for she must grow more perfect when emancipated.” (A Vindication of the Rights of Woman)
3. Freedom Within the Law
Core Idea: While individuals should be free to pursue their goals, laws must exist to prevent harm and protect rights.
Balance: Freedom is not absolute but must be maintained under legal and societal structures to ensure fairness.
agree- liberals should promote tolerance, equality and protect rights of minorities
Society Should Protect Diversity and Minority Rights
Core Idea: Liberals believe society must accommodate different beliefs, lifestyles, and identities as long as they do not harm others.
John Stuart Mill (Harm Principle): Individuals should be free to act as they wish unless they cause harm to others.
Quote: “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.” (On Liberty)
John Locke (Religious Tolerance): Advocated for religious freedom, arguing that state-imposed conformity was unjust.
2. Society Should Promote Equality and Social Justice
Core Idea: Liberals believe all individuals have equal intrinsic worth and should have fair access to rights and freedoms.
Foundational Equality: Everyone deserves equal basic rights and liberties.
Formal Equality: Laws and policies should apply uniformly to all individuals.
Mary Wollstonecraft & John Stuart Mill: Advocated for legal equality, including voting rights, property rights, and employment opportunities.
3. Modern Liberalism and Social Justice
Core Idea: Modern liberals expand on classical ideas by supporting civil rights movements and anti-discrimination laws.
Betty Friedan: Advocated for gender equality, workplace rights, and reproductive freedoms.
Key Achievements:
Founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) (1966).
Successfully campaigned for the Equal Pay Act (1963).
disagree- whether individuals are free and equal in society without state intervention
Freedom: Classical liberals support negative liberty—freedom from interference. They believe individuals should be free to pursue their interests without state involvement.
Key Quote: “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.” – John Stuart Mill
Individualism: Promotes egoistical individualism, where personal responsibility and self-help drive societal progress.
Key Thinker: Samuel Smiles promoted self-help, arguing individuals improve their own circumstances through hard work.
State Role: The state should be minimal to avoid restricting freedom, allowing for a meritocratic society where individuals can rise based on effort, not state intervention.
Equality: Advocated for formal equality (e.g., equal voting rights, education) but not active state intervention to promote it.
Modern Liberal Views
Freedom: Modern liberals support positive liberty, believing freedom requires not just the absence of interference but the opportunity to fulfill one’s potential.
Key Quote: “Who knows what women can be when they are finally free to become themselves?” – Betty Friedan
Individualism: Supports developmental individualism, where individuals need state support to develop their capabilities, particularly through education.
Key Thinker: John Rawls argued for an enabling state that provides fair access to resources, using his veil of ignorance to justify a fair distribution of wealth and opportunities.
State Role: Advocates for an enabling state that provides resources like healthcare, education, and social security to help individuals overcome disadvantages.
Equality: Supports active measures (e.g., affirmative action) to promote equality of opportunity for historically disadvantaged groups.
Key Differences
Classical Liberals: Believe in negative liberty, minimal state intervention, and self-help.
Modern Liberals: Emphasize positive liberty, argue for an enabling state to ensure freedom and equality for all, especially the disadvantaged.
