Core Ideas of Liberalism Flashcards

1
Q

what was the medieval thought about human natures

A

tied to ‘original sin’
mankind=deeply flawed+imperfect
mans only hope=pray for forgiveness

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2
Q

human nature and progress

A

has ability to bring about progress

unending ability to increase human happiness

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3
Q

what is the overall view of human nature by liberals

A

optimistic

guided by rational and reason

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4
Q

human nature and reasoning

A

reason manifested in debate

can be peaceful arguments+examine opinions

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5
Q

human nature and rational

A

individuals can plan own future
the ‘plan’ is central to idea of rationalism
human nature=can plan own destiny

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6
Q

human nature and problem solving

A

problems=challenges awaiting reasoned solutions

if really want something- will get it through reason and determination

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7
Q

what liberals believe about reasoned discussion

A

will always reach a consensus

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8
Q

human nature and individuals

A

individuals are self-seeking+ self serving

leads to egotistical individualism

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9
Q

what is egotistical individualism

A

linked to early classical liberalism
humans are selfish+in persuit of own happiness
but this doesn’t lead to conflict but mutual understanding

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10
Q

‘natural society’

A

‘natural rights’ are enjoyed

life before the state was pleasant+civilised

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11
Q

what is the main purpose of society

A

facilitate individualism

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12
Q

society and independence

A

individuals seek freedom

should live in a way that maximises self reliance+self fulfillment

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13
Q

what is a society which seeks to deny individualism

A

dysfunctional

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14
Q

why is right to property important (society)

A

is a tangible expression of an individual
for Mill it is a ‘prism’ through which individuals develop potential
allows people to nurture their taste and judgement

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15
Q

economic liberalism

A

involve private property+private traders

it should be of ultimate benefit to all

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16
Q

what influences liberals approach to the economy

A

right to property- should be put at the heart of all economic arrangements

17
Q

what made liberalism associated with private enterprise+private ownership (the economy)

A

adam smith’s theory of markets in wealth of nations 1776

18
Q

liberalism and socialism are similar but what sets them apart

A

liberals defend market based economy

capitalism

19
Q

how does capitalism link to liberals positive view of human nature (the economy)

A

adam smith- no trade barriers means ‘invisible hand’ of market forces would guide traders to success
the wealth would trickle down
wealth of nations would be promoted globally
reflects optimistic tone of liberalism

20
Q

what did liberals such as Locke ultimately believe the state did

A

helped facilitate individualism and capitalism

21
Q

why did liberals such as locked believe a state was needed in the first place

A

prevent clashes between people persuing their own agendas

would stop stale mates+resolve disputes more efficiently

22
Q

state of nature and the state- relationship

A

state of nature inferior to ‘formalised’ liberal state

23
Q

what are the 6 objectives of the liberal state

A
government by consent
promotion of natural rights 
promotion of tolerance 
meritocracy
equality of opportunity
justice
24
Q

what is the liberal state founded upon

A

a rejection of a monarchial absolutists state where power is exercised randomly

25
Q

government by consent (objective of liberal state)

A

people control state

lock- ‘gov should always be the servant, not the master, of the people’

26
Q

promotion of natural rights/individualism (objective of the liberal state)

A

before formal state=natural rights
rational reason to submit to state is if it promoted natural rights
so state must ensure it does this

27
Q

why is tolerance association with individualism (promotion of tolerance in the state)

A

can’t seek self determination if actions are forbidden by others

28
Q

what did Voltaire (French philosopher) say which links to tolerance

A

‘i detest what you say, but will defend unto the death your right to say it’

29
Q

how does Mill’s work related to the states objective of promoting tolerance

A

his harm principle

30
Q

tolerance and religious groups (promotion of tolerance as an objective of the state)

A

should tolerate religious groups especially minorities

locked was keen to extend tolerance to Roman Catholics after glorious revolution (cemented protestant supremacy)

31
Q

Friedman and tolerance (objective of the state)

A

campaigned for state to improve tolerance of minorities i.e ethnicity, sexuality, gender

32
Q

meritocracy (objective of the state)

A

political power only exercised by those worthy

won trust of governed- directly opposes divine right

33
Q

equality of opportunity (objective of the state)

A

state should give everyone equal opportunity to fulfil potential
if they can’t its their fault not the state

34
Q

foundational equality

A

everyone born with equal natural rights `

35
Q

justice (objective of the state)

A

state should embody justice
will treat individuals fairly
just outcome with disputes

36
Q

what are the 3 features a liberal state must embody

A

constitutional/limited gov
fragmented gov
formal eqaulity

37
Q

constitutional/limited gov (feature of liberal state)

A

contract needs to be cemented by a constitution
constitution should be preceded by discussion+a consensus
ensure can’t exercise power randomly
stops natural rights being eroded

38
Q

fragmented gov (feature of liberal state)

A

reaction against power concetrated wi monarch

reflects rationality belief-logical to empower as many individuals as possible=self determination

39
Q

formal equality (feature of a liberal state)

A

same legal+political rights

emphasis on rule of law