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Liberalism - Coggle Diagram
Liberalism
State:
It is ‘necessary’ to avoid disorder, but ‘evil’ as it has potential to remove individual liberty, thus should be limited; this is linked to the liberal view of the economy.
Social Contract:
The idea that state/society is set up with agreement from the people to respect its laws which serve to protect them.
John Locke (1632- 1704):
Social contract theory - society, state and government are based on a theoretical voluntary agreement.
Limited government - that government should be limited and based on consent from below
Mechanistic Theory:
The idea that the state was created by 'man' to serve the people and act in their interests.
Limited Government:
The role of government is limited by checks and balances, and a separation of powers because of the corrupting nature of power.
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Minimal State:
The idea that the role of the state must be restricted in order to preserve individual liberty.
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Individualism:
The primacy of the individual in society over any group – to cover egoistical individualism and developmental individualism.
Modern Liberalism:
Emerged as a reaction against free-market capitalism, believing this had led to many individuals not being free. Freedom could no longer be simply defined as 'being left alone'.
John Stuart Mill (1806-73):
Harm principle - that individuals should be free to do anything except harm other individuals.
John Rawls (1921-2002):
Theory of justice - opinion that society must be just and guarantee each citizen a life worth living.
Egoistical Individualism:
The idea that individual freedom is associated with self-interest and self-reliance.
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Liberal Democracy:
A democracy that balances the will
of the people, as shown through elections, with limited government (state) and a respect for civil liberties in society – to cover why liberals support it as well as why they are concerned about it.
Limited Government:
The role of government is limited by checks and balances, and a separation of powers because of the corrupting nature of power.
John Locke (1632- 1704):
Social contract theory - society, state and government are based on a theoretical voluntary agreement.
Limited government - that government should be limited and based on consent from below.
Social Contract:
The idea that state/society is set up with agreement from the people to respect its laws which serve to protect them.
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Classical Liberalism:
Early liberals who believed that individual freedom would be best achieved with the state playing a minimal role.
Laissez-faire Capitalism:
An economic system, organised by the market, where goods are produced for exchange and profit, and wealth is privately owned.
Keynesianism:
An economic system that requires government involvement to stimulate the economy to achieve full employment and price stability.
Rationalism:
The belief that humans are rational creatures, capable of reason and logic – to cover how rationalism underpins an individual’s ability to define their own best interests and make their own moral choices, creating a progressive society.
Tolerance:
A willingness to respect values, customs and beliefs with which one disagrees.
John Stuart Mill (1806-73):
Tolerance - belief that the popularity of a view does not necessarily make it correct.
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Freedom/Liberty:
The ability and right to make decisions in your own interests based on your view of human nature – to cover how liberals guarantee individual freedom, the link between freedom and individualism, that freedom is ‘under the law’.
Limited Government:
The role of government is limited by checks and balances, and a separation of powers because of the corrupting nature of power.
John Locke (1632- 1704):
Limited government - that government should be limited and based on consent from below.
Tolerance:
A willingness to respect values, customs and beliefs with which one disagrees.
Negative Freedom:
The absence of external constraints in society as well as no interference in the private sphere.
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Equality/Social Justice:
The belief that individuals are of equal value and that they should be treated impartially and fairly by society – to cover foundational and formal equality, and equality of opportunity.
Foundational Equality:
Rights that all humans have by virtue of being born which cannot be taken away (also known as natural rights and inalienable rights).
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Equality of Opportunity:
The idea that all individuals should have equal chances in life to rise and fall.
Betty Frieden (1921-2006):
Legal equality - women are as capable as men and that oppressive laws and social views must be overturned.
Equal Opportunity - women are being held back from their potential because of the limited number of jobs that are 'acceptable' for women.
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John Rawls (1921-2002):
Theory of justice - opinion that society must be just and guarantee each citizen a life worth living.