To What Extent Do Liberals Agree Over Individualism

Question 1

Agree: types of individualism

Answer 1

All liberals believe that individuals are rational and capable, therefore are able to make their own decisions to pursue their interests and flourish. Society should serve individuals and not the other way around

Question 2

Disagreements: types of individualism

Answer 2

Classical: egotistical individualism where people are self reliant and self interested, they prioritise their own needs before others and place emphasis on wanting themselves to flourish
Modern: developmental individualism, individuals should be free to grow and develop while helping others in society to flourish also, emphasis moral and personal development through education and welfare opportunities, as described by john Stuart mill

Question 3

Agreements: individual freedom

Answer 3

Freedom is fundamental and should be protected, individuals should be free to choose their own life paths and is essential for personal progress. Freedom should not be unesasarily interfered with by the state, just safeguarded

Question 4

Disagreements: individual freedom

Answer 4

Classical: negative freedom, freedom from the state, free to do what you want in order to grow and flourish , the state limits this so should have a limited gov to protect freedom - John lock protect rights and liberty w o gov
Modern: positive freedom, freedom to do what you want, having opportunities in place to let you flourish which are provided by the state, therefore the state is needed to remove barriers that constrict freedom- presence of enabling conditions

Question 5

Agreements: role of the state in individualism

Answer 5

The state should protect individuals rights and safeguard their liberty. Prevent harm to others but not nesasriy intervene as this could limit liberty

Question 6

Disagreements: role of the state

Answer 6

Classical: minimal state, nightwatchman : should be limited and stay in the background to protect law and order, should not intervene in someone’s personal life
Modern: enabling state that ensures freedom by providing indivciuuals w opportunities to flourish thru education, so gov should interfere- john Rawls, state should actively redistribute justice to ensure quality for all individuals