test Flashcards
(15 cards)
classical liberal view on the economy
it functions best with minimal state interference, allowing free markets and individual enterprise to drive innovation, efficiency, and wealth creation
classical liberal view on human nature
individuals are inherently rational and capable of making their own decisions, which justifies the belief that people should have the freedom to pursue their own interests
classical liberal view on society
it should be organised around the principle of individual liberty, where people are free to live as they choose, as long as they do not harm others, which leads to a diverse and dynamic social order.
classical liberal view on the state
its role should be limited to protecting individual rights and maintaining order, with minimal intervention in the lives of individuals.
modern liberal view won human nature
individuals may face social and economic barriers that prevent them from realising their full potential, which means that there is a need for support systems to ensure true freedom
modern liberal view the economy
it should be regulated to reduce the inequalities and injustices created by free-market capitalism, ensuring that economic policies serve the common good and provide opportunities for all
modern liberal view on society
a fair society requires active measures to promote equality and protect individual rights,
recognising that true freedom involves not just the absence of interference but also the conditions that enable all individuals to grow and develop.
modern liberal view on the state
it should play an active role in ensuring social justice and economic fairness, intervening when necessary to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, particularly the most vulnerable
John Locke (classical)
- Farm analogy- with no farmer-the animals hurt each other but what stops the farmer abusing the animals? Shows need for limited govt as farmer should be restrained by laws
- Before the state was a ‘natural society’ that= completely individualistic but had ‘natural liberties and ‘natural rights’
- ppl+ the state should respect these liberties+ rights+ a govt doing its job if it did- ‘social contact theory’
-believed on spearation of powers in govt+ religious tolerance
Mary Wollstonecraft (classical)
- key to wome reaching their potential=education and having same opportunities and legal protections as men
- Marriage between 2 equals
- supported American+French revolutions+ constitutional defense of individual rights
JS Mill (classical)
- harm principle
- tolerance of ppl with minority view- feared democracy would lead to ‘tryanny of democracy,
- individuality/ developmental individualism- what ppl can become not what they r
John rawls (modern)
- once there was a good minimum standard od living establisjed then importance of natural right would impact everyone
- advocate redistribution of wealth to make society fairer
- deneied that redistribution was socialism+advocated a narrowing gap btweeen rich+ poor
Betty Friedan
- pushed for enforcement of anti-discriminatory laws by federal govt through her National Organisation for women
- social attitudes+socialisation led women to be housewives
- ‘cultural channels’ e.g. school, media, create’ cultural conditioning
- like Woolstoncraft argued women should be able to choose a career or trad role of a wife
similarities between modern +classical liberals
- Both seek to enhance individual freedom, individuals have inherent value and are capable of rational thought and decision-making
- Both believe in equality of opportunity and equal civil rights
- Both wish to limit the power of the state - believe in decentralisation of power and in the importance of citizens holding government to account - the purpose of the state is to serve the individual and its institutions should be reformed as necessary to promote this
- Both support the fundamental concepts of private ownership and capitalism, as opposed to a state-controlled economy
difference between modern+classical liberals
- Classic liberals believe in negative freedom - individuals thrive when left alone by the state. However modern liberals argue that under free-market capitalism, not all people can be truly free because they are held back by disadvantaged circumstances
- Classic liberals view society as essentially a collection of individuals, whereas modern liberals have a more holistic view, in which the promotion of the common good must go hand in hand with individual freedom
- Classic liberals fear state intervention may take decision-making away from the individual and reduce their self-reliance. Whereas modern liberals believe some state intervention is necessary to promote a fairer society, in which people can make the most of their talents and opportunities - they believe in an ‘enabling state’ which helps people to help themselves, which means government provision of welfare services to relieve poverty, rather than expecting individuals to rely on themselves
- Classic liberals believe in a largely self-regulating free market economy, where modern liberals see the flaws in capitalism. They argue that government management is necessary to minimise the effect of economic downturns, which lead to mass unemployment and poverty if not corrected
