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Liberalilsm - Coggle Diagram
Liberalilsm
Human Nature
Rationalism
The belief that humans are innately rational and reasonable. They are capable of constructing a state to deliver their needs and can create new and progressive ideas for debate.
Tensions
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Modern (Mill/Rawls): Developmental individualism means all humans have potential for such qualities, but the state must 'enable' such characteristics.
All: Belief that individuals are generally rational. They are able to deliver their own happiness & fulfillment but respectful of others who want to do the same
Individualism: Society is a group of atomistic individuals motivated by self-interest rather than a singlular 'social' group.
Society
Tolerance
Toleration of all views and opinions, tolerance allows new ideas to be bought to debate, exposing bad ideas and bringing progressive ideas to prominence. Debate will often lead to consensus (Links to rationality)
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Tensions
Classical: 'natural society' predates the state (Locke). Therefore it is illogical to sacrifice these 'natural' rights to the state.
Neo: Claim that modern views on 'positive liberty' create a 'dependency culture' which curtails self-determination and self-realisation
All: Society is a diverse and autonomous set individuals seeking to achieve self-determination, -realisation, and -fulfillment
Modern: Industrialised urban societies have thwarted individualism (Rawls) and therefore an enlarged and 'enabling' state must be introduced to help individuals to be free.
The State
Tensions
Classical: negative liberty means state intervention should be minimal (Locke) and belief in the harm principle (JS Mill). See democracy as a threat to 'natural' property rights resulting from the 'tyranny of the majority'
Modern: positive liberty means the state should intervene more to 'enable' individuals to reach their potential (Friedan)
All: the state should function according to prearranged rules and procedures, with power fragmented and authority consented to by the governed
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Economy
Laissez-Faire Capitalism
Idea supported by Adam Smith that the 'invisible hand' of the market forces will allow wealth to 'trickle down' from individual money makers to the rest of society. Belief in minimal tariffs and duties and increased levels of free trade.
JM Keynes' Dirigisme
Idea that the state should be more involved in the economy. Particular feature of the post-war consensus, the state must regulate the economy to secure maximum employment.
Tensions
All: Belief in property as a 'natural' right (Locke). The economy should be based on private property and enterprise.
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Modern: More sympathy for JM Keynes view that capitalism requires state management to secure full employment)
Supranational Bodies: supported by modern liberals (e.g. EU) but vigorously opposed by Neo-liberals as they are a barrier to free trade.