T H Green

• what are Green's views on human nature?


  • inherently rational and capable of self-improvement
  • humans flourish in environments that promote civic virtue and social responsibility
• Marxist counter to Green's views on human nature:

  • his focus on individual moral development ignores how economic structures in shaping behaviour
• anarchist counter to Green's views on human nature:

  • reject the idea that individual flourishing can be achieved thriugh societal structures
• what are Green's views on society?


  • cooperative society - common goals
  • importance of social institutions fostering individual flourishing
• anarchist counter to Green's views on society:

  • societal structures constrain personal freedom
• new right counter to Green's views on society:

  • societal cooperation could undermine individual entrepreneurship
• what are Green's views on the state?


  • enabling state
  • actively promoting welfare and provides conditions necessary for individuals to achieve their full potential
• anarchist counter to Green's views on the state:

  • reject the need for a state altogether
• new right counter to Green's views on the state:

  • reject the idea of an enabling state - state should have minimal intervention
• trad liberal counter to Green's views on the state:

  • an enabling state infringes on individual rights and liberties
• what are Green's views on the economy?


  • critiques unregulated capitalism
  • economic structures must be designed to promote welfare
• New Right counter to Green's views on the economy:

  • unregulated markets lead to innovation and efficiency
• marxist counter to Green's views on the economy:

  • his reforms don't address the fundamental social inequalities created by capitalism
• what are Green's views on property?


  • should be viewed as a social institution
  • should be regulated to promote the common good
• anarchist counter to Green's views on the property:

  • property rights should prioritise individual autonomy without consideration for collective obligations
• marxist counter to Green's views on the economy:

  • property should be viewed through the lens of class struggle and not individual merit
• what are Green's views on freedom?


  • positive liberty
  • true freedom is thee ability to recognise one's potential
  • need enabling conditions
• anarchist counter to Green's views on freedom:

  • true freedom can only be achieved through the abolition of all hierarchal structures
• trad liberal counter to Green's views on freedom:

  • freedom is from the absence of interference
  • no need for an enabling state or enabling conditions
• New Right counter to Green's views on freedom:

  • any form of state intervention undermines individual freedom
• what is the famous work of T H Green?


  lectures on the principles of political obligation
• where can we see evidence of an enabling state?


  labour in 1928 introducing the NHS
• where can we see evidence of Green's views?


  Public Education laws - education is essential for personal growth and societal progress
• where can we see evidence of Green's views?


  Equality Act 2010 - prohibits discrimination