Question
To what extent do liberals agree on human nature?
Argument
More agreement
Three paragraph topics
Individualism (disagree)
Rational (agree)
Natural rights (agree)
Views of classical liberals on individualism?
Classical liberals believe in egoistical individualism, this is the belief that people naturally respect others’ freedoms but pursue their own interests first (this takes a more negative view of human nature and subsequently diminished view of the role of the state).
Classical liberal thinker on individualism
Mill’s harm principle - people should be free to pursue their own interests as long as it doesn’t harm others. This demonstrates the classical liberal view on human nature that people should naturally respect each other’s freedom.
Views of modern liberals on individualism?
Modern liberals believe in developmental individualism - the idea that individuals should be empowered to achieve personal growth, self-realisation.
Modern liberal thinker on individualism
John Rawls argues that under developmental individualism everyone should care for the development of others as well as themselves, therefore he suggests that people should support a system in which inequalities are “to the greatest benefit of the least-advantaged members of society”.
Classical liberal views on the rationality of human nature?
Human beings are rational, self‑interested, therefore capable of making their own decisions.
Classical liberal thinker on rationality
Locke’s social contract theory - suggests humans would rationally form a social contract and concede some of their liberty in order to have their rights protected.
Modern liberals views on the rationality of human nature?
Modern liberals believe that rational individuals will intervene if they see a person in trouble, anticipating that the favour be returned.
Modern liberal thinker on rationality
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.
Views of classical liberals on natural rights?
Classical liberals believe that no one should be held back by artificial barriers such as discrimination or unequal legal/political status.
Classical liberal thinker on natural rights
Mary Wollstonecraft - in her book ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman’ she advocated for political equality for women in order to grant them true freedom, because of her belief we are all born equal.
Modern liberal view on natural rights?
Modern liberals believe that everyone should be provided with natural rights in order to improve the life chances for all in society.
Modern liberal thinker on natural rights.
Betty Friedman advocated for the equality in the rationality of men and women, which she believed should therefore be translated into an equal access to education, paid work and legal/political equality.
