Question
To what extent do liberals agree on the society?
Argument
More agreement
Paragraph topics?
Freedom (disagree)
Individualistic (agree)
Tolerant (agree)
Views of classical liberals on freedom?
Classical liberals believe that if people within society are left alone by the state then they can be considered free.
Classical liberal thinker on freedom
Mill’s concepts of the “harm principle”: Individuals are free to act as they wish unless their actions harm others, self-regarding actions should not be restricted, therefore social or legal interference is justified only to prevent harm to others.
Modern liberal views on freedom?
Modern liberals believe that people cannot be said to be free if there are societal constraints on their position such as poverty or illness.
Modern liberal thinker on freedom?
William Beveridge’s idea that “a starving man is not free” highlights this idea of positive freedom. The Beveridge Report was the beginning of the UK’s welfare state.
Classical liberal views on individualistic society?
Classical liberals have an atomistic view of society - they believe that the individual is the most important component in society; this leads to their belief that the state’s role should be minimal.
Classical liberal thinker on the individualistic nature of society?
John Locke’s mechanistic theory of the state: the state should not extend beyond these 3 functions:
1. Maintaining public order and protecting property
2. Providing defence against external attack
3. Ensuring that contracts are enforced
Modern liberal views on individualistic society?
Modern liberals have a developmental view of the individual; they believe that people are shaped by society and need support from the state to flourish if they are born into a less fortunate position within society.
Modern liberal thinker on the individualistic nature of society?
L.T. Hobhouse a British modern liberal of the late 19th and early 20th century advocated that “The ideal of true freedom is the maximum power for all members of human society alike to make the best of themselves.”
Classical liberal views on tolerance in society?
Classical liberals defend the idea of tolerance through their commitment to the idea of individual liberty; rationally everyone is equal and therefore should be treated as such.
Classical liberal thinker on tolerance in society?
Locke developed his three key beliefs on toleration, which were shaped by debates on religion - they emphasise the classical liberal view that we should not dictate how others live their lives.
Modern liberal views on tolerance in society?
Modern liberals believe societies are diverse and pluralistic and therefore people will have disagreements - a stable society must ensure that different beliefs and lifestyles are tolerated and avoid the imposition of a “correct way of living”.
Modern liberal thinker on the role of tolerance in society?
John Rawls advocated that “A modern democratic society is characterised not simply by a pluralism of doctrines, but by a pluralism of incompatible yet reasonable comprehensive doctrines.”
