Society Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is egotistical individualism?
Egotistical individualism is linked to early classical liberalism and denotes a belief that human beings are naturally drawn to the advancement of their own, selfish interests and the pursuit of their own happiness.
How do proponents of egotistical individualism view human rationalism?
Proponents deny that egotistical individualism leads to conflict or gross insensitivity.
What is the optimistic view of human nature in liberalism?
Liberalism holds an optimistic view of human nature, suggesting that individuals are both egotistical and reasonable, which makes them sensitive to the perspectives of others.
What did Thomas Hobbes argue about human nature and society?
Hobbes argued that human nature is so brutally selfish that no society could arise or survive without being restrained by a strong, formal authority, or a state.
What is the liberal perspective on life before the state?
Early liberal philosophers like Locke believed that life before the state was potentially pleasant, civilised, and long, contrary to Hobbes’ assertion that it was ‘nasty, brutish and short’.
What did John Stuart Mill emphasize about the purpose of society?
Mill emphasized that the main purpose of any civilised society is to facilitate individualism, allowing each individual to pursue their unique personality and talents.
What does Mill’s work ‘On Liberty’ advocate for?
In ‘On Liberty’, Mill advocates for freedom from dependency on others and the freedom to live one’s life in a way that maximizes self-reliance and self-fulfilment.
What is the ‘default setting’ of any society according to liberals?
Liberals believe that the ‘default setting’ of any society is a focus upon individual freedom, and any society that denies individualism is considered dysfunctional.
What is the liberal view on the right to property?
Liberals regard the right to property, defined by Locke as ‘that with which Man has mixed his labour’, as particularly important as it is seen as a tangible expression of an individual within society.
How do later liberals like Mill view property?
Later liberals like Mill see property as the ‘prism’ through which individuals develop their potential, providing opportunities for men and women to nurture their taste and judgement.
What is individualism in liberal ideology?
Individualism is a vital principle of liberal ideology that means individual needs should be at the heart of political thought, economic life, and social organisation.
What do liberal politicians seek to maximise?
Liberal politicians seek to maximise the number of individuals achieving self-determination, self-realisation, and self-fulfilment.
What does self-determination mean in liberalism?
Self-determination refers to individuals having control of their own lives.
What does self-realisation mean in liberalism?
Self-realisation means discovering one’s ‘true’ self and potential.
What does self-fulfilment mean in liberalism?
Self-fulfilment refers to a sense of one’s ‘personal mission being achieved’.
How does liberalism’s view on private property inform its approach to the economy?
Liberalism’s devotion to private property shapes its approach to the economy.
