Thinkers Flashcards
(11 cards)
Thomas Hobbes
-Partially supports liberalism but emphasizes security over freedom.
Evidence: In Leviathan, he argues for a strong central authority to prevent chaos.
Government Role: Absolute monarchy or sovereign power to maintain order and prevent anarchy.
Economic System: supports state control to ensure stability.
Characteristics: Prioritizes security over individual liberty, advocating for a powerful state.
John Locke
Liberalism: Strongly supports classical liberalism.
Evidence: he argues for natural rights (life, liberty, property) and government by consent.
Government Role: Limited government that protects individual rights and can be overthrown if it fails.
Economic System: Free-market capitalism; property rights are central.
Characteristics: Emphasizes individual freedoms, private property, limited government intervention, people are rational, reasonable, and logical
Montesquieu
Liberalism? Supports liberal principles, especially separation of powers.
Evidence: he advocates for checks and balances.
Government Role: Government should be divided into three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent tyranny.
Economic System: Supports commerce and free trade, aligning with early capitalist ideas.
Characteristics: Advocates for political liberty through institutional limits on government power.
John Stuart Mill
Liberalism? Strongly supports liberalism, especially individual liberty and utilitarianism.
Evidence:he argues for freedom of speech and minimal government interference.
Government Role: Minimal intervention, except to prevent harm to others.
Economic System: Supports free markets but believes in social reforms (e.g., education and worker rights).
Characteristics: Balances capitalism with some social protections, emphasizing individual autonomy.
Adam Smith
-Supports classical liberalism, especially economic freedom.
Evidence: he promotes the “invisible hand” of the market.
Government Role: Limited government that protects property, enforces contracts, and maintains order.
Economic System: Laissez-faire capitalism; free-market competition is the key to prosperity.
Characteristics: Advocates for economic liberty, opposing excessive government interference.
Robert Owen
Liberalism: Rejects classical liberalism, supports socialist ideals.
Evidence: Advocates for cooperative communities and rejects exploitation under capitalism.
Government Role: Should ensure workers’ welfare and regulate economic conditions.
Economic System: Utopian socialism—emphasizes collective ownership and worker cooperatives.
Characteristics: Focuses on social equality, workers’ rights, and moral responsibility in economics.
Karl Marx
-Rejects liberalism as serving capitalist interests.
Evidence: In The Communist Manifesto, he argues for class struggle and overthrow of capitalism.
Government Role: Temporary dictatorship of the proletariat leading to a stateless, classless society.
Economic System: Communism—abolition of private property and collective ownership of production.
Characteristics: Emphasizes class conflict, economic determinism, and social equality.
Edmund Burke
Liberalism: Critiques radical liberalism but supports conservative liberalism.
Evidence: he warns against rapid change and defends tradition.
Government Role: Strong government to maintain order but should respect tradition and gradual reform.
Economic System: Supports capitalism but values stability over market disruption.
Characteristics: Emphasizes social hierarchy, gradual progress, and respect for institutions.
John Maynard Keynes
Liberalism: Supports economic liberalism with government intervention.
Evidence: he promotes deficit spending to boost demand.
Government Role: Active role in managing the economy, especially during recessions.
Economic System: Mixed economy—capitalism with government oversight to prevent crises.
Characteristics: Supports state intervention in markets to ensure stability and full employment.
Theodore Roosevelt
Liberalism: Supports progressive liberalism, balancing capitalism with social justice.
Evidence: Advocates for trust-busting, labor protections, and national parks.
Government Role: Active role in regulating business, protecting workers, and conserving resources.
Economic System: Regulated capitalism—opposes monopolies but supports private enterprise.
Characteristics: Advocates for a “Square Deal” to promote fairness and government intervention in the economy by the use of the 3 Cs
Franklin D Roosevelt
Liberalism; Supports modern liberalism, emphasizing government’s role in social welfare.
Evidence: The New Deal policies increased government intervention to combat the Great Depression.
Government Role: Strong role in regulating the economy, providing welfare, and ensuring social security.
Economic System: Mixed economy—capitalism with social safety nets and regulations.
Characteristics: Expands government power to address inequality and economic instability.
