Society

Question 1

Natural society and natural law

Answer 1

• Locke argued that even before any states existed society existed. In this society there would be natural laws and natural rights.
• this would mean that rights to life, liberty and happiness were accepted by societies without the need for a state to impose them.
• this fits with the optimistic view Liberals have of human nature and the idea that tyranny often comes from the state.

Question 2

Individuals and the pursuit of freedom

Answer 2

• according to John Stuart Mill society promotes individualism.
• all individuals have a set of talents and a unique personality, but all are rational and pursue their own self interest.
• this does not appear to offer much hope for a cohesive society. Especially as the ideas promote self-reliance and fulfilment of personal happiness.

Question 3

What kind of society do they envisage

Answer 3

• ideals of American society, ‘rugged individualism’ and a nation of yeoman farmers who own their own land.
• society should allow people to control their own lives.
• society should see a maximum number of people reaching their full potential and who are fulfilled.

Question 4

Their idea of society gone wrong

Answer 4

• a society where personal freedom is denied and the individual is not prized but subject to the state.