To what extent do modern and classical liberals disagree over human nature?

Question 1

What do classical liberals believe about human nature?

Answer 1

Classical liberals view human nature as innately rational and self-sufficient.

Question 2

How do modern liberals view human nature?

Answer 2

Modern liberals are more critical, emphasizing human social needs and vulnerability.

Question 3

What is the concept of ‘negative liberty’?

Answer 3

Liberty means freedom from constraint, as understood by classical liberals.

Question 4

Who is a key thinker associated with classical liberalism?

Answer 4

John Locke

Question 5

What did John Locke believe about individuals?

Answer 5

He believed people are rational beings capable of forming a social contract.

Question 6

What type of government did John Locke advocate for?

Answer 6

Limited government to protect natural rights, trusting individuals to manage themselves.

Question 7

What is the concept of ‘positive liberty’?

Answer 7

Positive liberty refers to the freedom to realize potential, which may require state support.

Question 8

Who is a key thinker associated with modern liberalism?

Answer 8

John Rawls

Question 9

How did John Rawls view individuals?

Answer 9

He saw individuals as selfish yet empathetic, especially behind the veil of ignorance.

Question 10

What is a significant disagreement between classical and modern liberals?

Answer 10

Locke sees humans as already capable, while Rawls sees them as needing a just society to thrive.

Question 11

What does the disagreement between classical and modern liberals signify?

Answer 11

It marks a significant shift from autonomy to enablement.

Question 12

What major question do modern liberals raise about classical liberalism?

Answer 12

Modern liberals question the classical assumption of equal capability.

Question 13

How do classical liberals view human nature?

Answer 13

Classical liberals think human nature is fixed—already rational and autonomous.

Question 14

What is the goal of classical liberalism?

Answer 14

The goal is to protect freedom, not develop character.

Question 15

What do classical liberals believe about individual flourishing?

Answer 15

Individuals flourish best when left alone.

Question 16

Who is a key thinker associated with classical liberalism?

Answer 16

Mary Wollstonecraft.

Question 17

What did Mary Wollstonecraft believe about men and women?

Answer 17

She believed both men and women are rational and therefore deserve equality and freedom.

Question 18

What role does education play in classical liberalism according to Wollstonecraft?

Answer 18

Education was needed to reveal their already rational nature, not to create it.

Question 19

How do modern liberals view human nature?

Answer 19

Modern liberals argue that human nature is not fixed and that people must be enabled to develop their moral and intellectual capacity.

Question 20

What do modern liberals favor to nurture potential?

Answer 20

They favor education, welfare, and social rights.

Question 21

Who is a key thinker associated with modern liberalism?

Answer 21

John Stuart Mill.

Question 22

What is the concept of developmental individualism?

Answer 22

Freedom is a tool to become better, not just to be left alone.

Question 23

What is a famous quote by John Stuart Mill?

Answer 23

“Better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a pig satisfied.”

Question 24

What is the extent of disagreement between classical and modern liberals?

Answer 24

Classical liberals trust existing rationality, while modern liberals focus on what humans can become.

Question 25

What does the disagreement between classical and modern liberals indicate?

Answer 25

It shows a clear divide in the role of the state and society in shaping individuals.

Question 26

What is the mini-conclusion about classical and modern liberalism?

Answer 26

Their visions of human potential and how to realize it are substantially different.

Question 27

What core values do both strands of liberalism agree on?

Answer 27

Both believe in reason and individualism as core values.

Question 28

What is the point of agreement between Classical and Modern Liberalism?

Answer 28

Despite disagreements on human nature, both accept that humans are rational, capable of progress, and should be treated as individuals.

Question 29

What does Classical Liberalism advocate regarding governance?

Answer 29

Reason allows humans to govern themselves and make decisions without divine or authoritarian guidance.

Question 30

Who is a key thinker associated with Classical Liberalism?

Answer 30

Locke

Question 31

What principle did Locke advocate for?

Answer 31

Government by consent, based on the belief that people could rationally form and follow laws.

Question 32

How does Modern Liberalism view reason?

Answer 32

Modern Liberalism believes in reason but understands it is limited by social and economic conditions.

Question 33

What is the key thinker associated with Modern Liberalism?

Answer 33

Rawls

Question 34

What does Rawls assume about people behind the veil of ignorance?

Answer 34

People would use reason to choose fairness and justice.

Question 35

What is the view of human nature in Modern Liberalism?

Answer 35

Human nature may be flawed, but it remains rational and empathetic.

Question 36

What is the extent of agreement between Classical and Modern Liberalism?

Answer 36

Both agree that rationality and individual autonomy are real and important.

Question 37

What does the agreement between the two strands provide?

Answer 37

Philosophical continuity within liberalism.

Question 38

What unites Classical and Modern Liberalism despite their differences?

Answer 38

A shared belief in reason and autonomy.