Question
To what extent do liberals agree on the state?
Argument
More disagreement
Paragraph topics
A “necessary evil” (agree)
Size/Role (disagree)
Role in the economy (disagree)
Views of classical liberals on the state as a necessary evil?
Classical liberals believe that a minimal state is necessary to ensure liberties are not infringed.
Classical liberal thinker on the state as a necessary evil?
Locke’s social contract theory - the idea that rationally humans would enter into a social contract in which they agree to have a small state to ensure that rights are not infringed and protect them but nothing more.
Modern liberal views on the state as a “necessary evil”?
Modern liberals believe that a state is necessary in order to ensure protection and equality.
Modern liberal thinker on the state as a necessary evil?
T.H Green argued that the “Will, not force is the basis of the state” demonstrating his view the view that the state should be created with consideration of what the people want and need.
Classical liberal view on the size and role of the state?
Classical liberal believe in a “nightwatchman state” - the idea that the state should be as minimal as possible.
Classical liberal thinker on the size and role of the state?
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 the size and role of the state?
Modern liberals believe that the role of the state needed to be greater than classical liberals arguing with the new ideas of positive freedom and altruism that a larger state was needed to ensure a minimum level of equality.
Modern liberal thinker on the size and role of the state?
William Beveridge’s idea that “a starving man is not free” formed the basis of the modern liberal idea of the size and role of the state. The Beveridge Report was the beginning of the UK’s welfare state.
Classical liberal views on the state role in the economy?
Classical liberals believe in a strong conviction to laissez-faire economic and free-market capitalism, viewing the state as having a limited/no role in regulating the economy.
Classical liberal thinker on the role of the state in the economy?
Adam Smith coined the free-market the system of “natural liberty” demonstrating his view that the removal of regulation was the most beneficial role the state could play in the economy.
Modern liberal view on the role of the state in the economy?
Modern liberals reject the idea of a self-regulating market economy, arguing instead that the economy should be ‘managed’ by the state.
Modern liberal thinker on the role of the state in the economy?
Keynes’ belief that “Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest good of everyone.” demonstrates the modern liberal conviction to state intervention in the economy to prevent capitalism going unchecked.
