liberalism foundations

Question 1

what was liberalism born from?

Answer 1

-the roots lie in the reformation, led by Luther, who argued that individuals no longer need to rely on priests, popes and intermediaries.
- christianity should assume a more individualistic character

Question 1

when were individual ideas expanded to liberalism?

Answer 1

• the enlightment, an intellectual movement in the 1600s, was defined by reason rather than religion, free thinking rather than blind faith and rational scrutiny rather than spirituality

Question 2

what radical ideas did founding fathers like Locke inspire?

Answer 2

• that every individual has an ability to think freely
• that an individuals life should be determined by his or her own judgements
• that the relationship between individuals and governments should be re-examined, in a way that improves the status of the individual

Question 3

Until Locke, what was assumed in America and England

Answer 3

• that the natural form of government was autocratic
• that an autocratic ruler, usuaully a monarch, had been appointed by God
• that the monarch’s wishes should therefore be automatically be accepted by his ‘subjects’- a doctrine known as the ‘divine right of kings’

Question 4

what is mechanistic theory?

Answer 4

• linked to the writings of Locke, this argues that human beings are rational and can build a state that reflects their needs (e.g the need for freedom and self- fufilment) it rejected ideas such as ‘divine right of kings’