Question
To what extent do liberals agree on freedom?
Argument
More disagreement
Paragraph topics
Justified by human nature (agree)
Positive v. Negative freedom (disagree)
Role of state/economy (disagree)
Classical liberal views on how human nature justifies freedom?
Classical liberals believe humans are rational and self-interested, so they should be free to pursue their own goals; freedom is natural and promotes progress.
Classical liberal thinker on how human nature justifies freedom?
Locke’s social contract theory emphasises that due to the rational nature of humans they would consent to the creation of a nightwatchman state that protects the natural rights (“life, liberty and estate”) and beyond this the state should not infringe on the lives of people.
Modern liberal view on how human nature justifies freedom?
Modern liberals believe that rational individuals will intervene if they see a person in trouble; it it is only rational to help those less fortunate for the benefit of all society.
Modern liberal thinker on how human nature justifies freedom?
Rawls “veil of ignorance” - suggests that rational humans would choose a society with positive freedom and enabling state because they can rationally identify the unjust inequalities in existing societies when behind the veil of ignorance.
Classical liberal views on negative v. positive freedom?
Classical liberals believe in the idea of negative freedom. This idea defines liberty as the absence of external constraints, obstacles, or state interference in an individual’s life.
Classical liberal thinker on negative v. positive freedom?
Mill’s harm principle: “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community… is to prevent harm to others.”
Modern liberal views on positive v. negative freedom?
Modern liberals believe in the idea of positive freedom. This idea defined positive freedom as the actual capacity, opportunity, and empowerment to achieve one’s potential, rather than just the absence of restraint.
Modern liberal thinker on positive v. negative freedom?
William Beveridge’s idea that “a starving man is not free” formed the basis the UK’s welfare state. This reflects the modern liberal view that the state can have a role in supporting the worst off in society.
Classical liberal views on the role of state and economy in supporting freedom?
Classical liberals believe free markets and minimal state intervention best protect freedom and equality of opportunity, as people are not restricted and have the ability to make their own choices.
Classical liberal thinker on the role of state and economy in supporting freedom?
Adam Smith writes “Every man, as long as he does not violate the laws of justice, is left perfectly free to pursue his own interest his own way.” This reflects the classical liberal idea that when people are free to invest, work, and trade as they choose, they are free.
Modern liberal view on the role of state and economy in supporting freedom?
Modern liberals believe the state must intervene via welfare, education and redistribution to prevent inequality limiting freedom; this supports the modern liberal idea in state intervention and Keynesian economics.
Modern liberal thinker on the role of state and economy in supporting freedom?
Locke writes that “Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are… to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged.” This is the idea that markets alone don’t guarantee freedom of citizens, and government action is needed.
