To what extent do modern and classical liberals disagree over human nature? (80:20 – significantly disagree) Flashcards
(26 cards)
What do classical liberals believe about human nature?
Classical liberals believe humans are naturally rational, self-sufficient, and capable of pursuing their own good without interference.
They argue for limited government and individual rights based on this belief.
What is the concept of ‘negative liberty’ in classical liberalism?
‘Negative liberty’ refers to freedom from interference, as classical liberals believe that interference is unnecessary when people are competent and moral by nature.
This belief justifies limited government and laissez-faire economics.
Who is a key thinker associated with classical liberalism?
John Locke is a key thinker who believed humans were naturally good and rational, advocating for minimal state interference in people’s lives.
He viewed the ‘state of nature’ as relatively harmonious.
How do modern liberals view human nature differently from classical liberals?
Modern liberals see human nature as more complex—still rational, but imperfect and vulnerable to inequality.
They believe freedom cannot exist without positive liberty.
What is ‘positive liberty’ according to modern liberals?
Positive liberty means supportive conditions are necessary to help people actually use their freedom, such as education and healthcare.
Modern liberals argue that liberty is meaningless if people are too poor or uneducated to exercise it.
Who is a key thinker associated with modern liberalism?
John Rawls is a key thinker who believed that people are capable of empathy and would design a society with strong support structures from a rational standpoint.
His ‘original position’ suggests welfare is necessary because individuals could end up in any position.
What is the main disagreement between classical and modern liberals?
Classical liberals believe in self-reliance, while modern liberals argue that people need state support to realize their potential.
This highlights their differing views on the role of government in individual lives.
What do modern liberals believe about human nature?
Modern liberals believe human nature can be improved through education and social policy.
How do modern liberals view human nature?
Modern liberals take a developmental view of human nature, seeing individuals as a ‘work in progress’ who need nurturing to reach their full potential.
What does developmental individualism suggest?
Developmental individualism suggests that freedom is about being empowered to become the best version of oneself, not just being left alone.
What role do modern liberals support for the state?
Modern liberals support a larger state role, especially in education and welfare, as a way of enhancing liberty.
Who is a key thinker associated with modern liberalism?
John Stuart Mill is a key thinker who argued for the freedom to develop intellect and moral capacity.
What was John Stuart Mill’s famous statement about liberty?
‘Better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a pig satisfied.’ His idea of liberty was developmental.
What do classical liberals believe about human nature?
Classical liberals believe people already possess full rational faculties and do not require development by the state.
What do classical liberals think about state interference?
Classical liberals believe interference with individual liberty risks paternalism and tyranny.
Who is a key thinker associated with classical liberalism?
Mary Wollstonecraft is a key thinker who argued for equality and education while viewing people as inherently rational.
What is the conclusion regarding modern and classical liberalism?
Modern liberals support state-guided human development, while classical liberals believe people are already equipped to thrive independently.
What do both classical and modern liberals agree on regarding human nature?
Both strands agree that humans are rational and driven by reason over emotion or tradition.
What is the rationalist foundation shared by classical and modern liberals?
They believe humans are primarily guided by reason, not instinct or tradition.
What do classical liberals argue about rational individuals?
They argue that rational individuals are best left to pursue their own interests, leading to harmony and progress.
What ideas does rationalism support according to classical liberals?
It supports ideas like limited government, individual rights, and religious tolerance.
Who is a key thinker associated with classical liberalism?
Locke saw reason as central to human interaction, believing individuals could create peaceful societies through contracts and mutual respect.
How do modern liberals view rationalism?
Modern liberals uphold rationalism but argue that rational people would use their reason to build fairer societies, including welfare and equal rights.
What is the belief of modern liberals regarding the design of societal structures?
They believe people would design structures to protect the vulnerable and empower all, if thinking rationally behind Rawls’ ‘veil of ignorance.’
