Political spectrum, ideology & philosophers quiz Flashcards
(32 cards)
1
Q
What is liberalism?
A
- A set of beliefs, ideas and values that shape society and your life
- The umbrella term that includes all ideologies that focus on the importance of the individual, thus defying the traditional authority of the monarchy and church
- Includes socialism, capitalism, conservatism, modern liberalism and classical liberalism
- Includes individuals rights, civil liberties, democracy, and free enterprise
- Focuses on the importance of the individual
2
Q
What questions does ideology strive to answer?
A
- What Is the role of the government?
- What is the role of the individual?
- What is human nature like?
3
Q
What are the 6 pillars of individualism?
A
- Rule of law
- Individual rights and freedoms
- Private property
- Economic freedom
- Self interest
- Competition
4
Q
Describe rule of law:
A
Every individual is equal before the law and all citizens are subject to the law
5
Q
Describe individual rights and freedoms:
A
Freedom of religion, freedom of association, the right to life, liberty and security of the person, right to vote
6
Q
Describe private property:
A
- Something that is owned by an individual, including real estate, other forms of physical possessions, and intellectual property
- The right to the protection of private property is a central principal of liberalism and is seen as a natural extension of the concept of the worth of each individual
7
Q
Describe economic freedom:
A
The freedom to buy what you want and to sell your labour, idea, or product to whomever you wish
8
Q
Describe self-interest:
A
- Looking out only for one’s personal interest or benefit
- Individual entrepreneurs who serve the common good through honestly and reliability may also serve their own self interest by winning more customers. Essentially, both the buyers and sellers self-interest works to the benefit of the other.
9
Q
Describe competition:
A
- The act or instance of competing or contending with others.
- Competition is seen as an incentive for individuals and groups to work harder and more efficiently
10
Q
What are the 6 pillars of collectivism?
A
- Economic equality
- Cooperation
- Public property
- Collective interest
- Collective responsibility
- Adherence to collective norms
11
Q
Describe economic equality:
A
- With economic equality you would not see a society with extremely wealthy people while others live in absolute poverty.
- Wealth is redistributed, and fair wages are ensured for all types of employment. Elitism and ethnic superiority are minimized as pay equity exists, and discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and wealth are not allowed.
12
Q
What are some examples of economic equality:
A
- People with larger incomes pay more taxes
- All people should earn equal wages for work of similar value
- There should be a guaranteed annual income
- All people should share in the wealth of the country or the world
- People should own the means of production
-There should be no private property - Free access to public libraries, museums, park
13
Q
Describe co-operation:
A
- Working together to the same end.
- Very useful because working together can be productive in moving towards a common goal.
- Enterprises such as daycare centres, healthcare, stores, and credit unions are a few examples of things that can be operated and managed co-operatively
14
Q
Describe public property:
A
- Any land, building, area, park, or business - not privately owned by individuals
- Usually owned by the government or community
- Managed in best interest for the people
- Paid and managed using tax dollars
Examples: hospitals, schools, roads, museums, CBC, or city parks.
15
Q
Describe collective responsibility:
A
- Holding the whole group responsible for the actions of individuals within society.
- Every member of the group is held accountable and treated equally. If the group does not work as a team to follow rules and set standards, then the whole group will be punished.
16
Q
Describe collective interest:
A
The set of interests
that members of a
group have in common
17
Q
Describe adherence to colective norms:
A
- The faithful observance of the norms or standards imposed on members of a group as a condition of membership in the group.
- These norms can relate to conduct, values, or appearance.
- An example of adherence to collective norms would be setting laws and rules that the people, groups (religious or cultural), or societies must follow.
18
Q
Plot the order of the political and economic spectrum:
A
Command Economy/Communism, Democratic Socialism, Welfare State, Mixed Economy, Capitalism/Free Market Economy
19
Q
Describe he origins of the spectrum from the French Revolution:
A
- Liberal Ideals
- Leading revolutionaries highly
influenced by ideals of liberalism - Revolutionary Motto
- Motto quickly became liberty, equality, fraternity
- Declaration of The Rights of Man
- Enshrined equality of rights for
man
20
Q
Order the change spectrum:
A
radical - liberal - moderate - conservative - reactionary
21
Q
Describe radical:
A
- Want great degree of change, may support the use of violence
- Often appeals to marginalized people/groups
- Extreme change
22
Q
Describe liberal:
A
- Want some change, are interested in progress
- Want progressive change without violence - often challenge elite control of wealth and power
23
Q
Describe moderate:
A
Are open to changes, if necessary
24
Q
Describe conservative:
A
- Want to keep the status quo, ie things are the way they are
- If change happens, it should be slow and gradual within current structure
25
Describe reactionary:
- Would like to change back to the way things used to be, may support the use of violence
- Believe in returning to a strong and glorified past
26
Describe thomas hobes:
Terrible Humans – humans are inherently greedy, selfish and dangerous. Strong leadership is required to ensure order and stability and prevent chaos. People enter a social contract with a ruler, giving them absolute power to prevent anarchy. “Leviathan”
27
Describe john locke:
- Life, Liberty, Land – people should have certain
inalienable rights. The role of the government is to protect life, provide freedom and ensure private property rights.
- Lovely – people are reasonable and moral
- Limited Power - Government must reflect the will of
the people or it should be replaced
28
Describe JJ Rousseau:
- Soooo Socialist – humans are generally good but have been corrupted by society. Private property has led to
corruption and inequality.
- Social contract – individuals should follow the general will in the interest of all for the common good
29
Describe John Stuart
Mill:
Just Speak, Man – wanted limited government in
order prevent leaders from violating rights such as
freedom of speech, religion, etc. Promoted the “harm
principle” – the only limits on freedom should be to
protect the liberty of others and prevent others’ rights
from being infringed upon.
30
Describe Baron de
Montesquieu:
Mont es quieu – three syllables = three branches
of government (judicial, legislative, executive).
Wanted to prevent one ruler from having unchecked
power. Promoted separation of powers in government.
31
Describe Adam Smith:
- Known for book - "The Wealth of Nations"
- Founder of capitalism
- Laissez faire economics
- The invisible hand = self interest
- Competition
- Profit motive
- Free market
32
Describe Karl Marx:
- Proposed communism
- Thought history was one of class struggle
- Argued for a revolution by the proletariat
or working class against the bourgeoisie or
owners
- Wanted a dictatorship of the proletariat or
equality of all workers in a society of only
workers
- “From each according to his ability; to
each according to his need"
