society

• Paragraph 1: AGREE (Individualism and Tolerance)

  • Both modern and classical liberals see society as a collective of self-seeking individuals, rejecting organicism and natural hierarchies.
  • They uphold meritocracy: hard work enables freedom of movement, and no one is born into a fixed role.
  • Tolerance is a key virtue: no race, religion, or background is superior. Wollstonecraft: Men and women have foundational equality, with equal legal and political rights.Key Thinkers: Mary Wollstonecraft.
• Paragraph 2: DISAGREE (Types of Individualism)

  • Classical liberals advocate egoistical individualism: Humans are selfish, seeking personal success even at others’ expense. They are sceptical of state power, seeing it as a hindrance to achievement.
  • Mill: Egoistical individualism aligns with utilitarianism—maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain.
  • Modern liberals support developmental individualism: Humans are socially responsible, and the state must enable individuals to develop rationality and contribute to society.Key Thinkers: John Stuart Mill.
• Paragraph 3: DISAGREE (Meritocracy and State Intervention)

  • Classical liberals believe meritocracy is natural; state intervention (e.g., taxation, welfare) infringes on individual rights (Locke: life, liberty, property).
  • They argue the disadvantaged simply haven’t worked hard enough; welfare creates dependency.
  • Modern liberals: The wealth gap undermines meritocracy. Rawls: Behind the veil of ignorance, individuals desire a society where the worst-off are supported. Welfare ensures equality of opportunity.Key Thinkers: John Locke, John Rawls.
• Conclusion

  • Liberals agree on individualism and meritocracy but disagree on its application.
  • Classical liberals prioritize egoistical individualism and minimal state intervention.
  • Modern liberals advocate developmental individualism and state intervention to ensure equality of opportunity and social responsibility.Key Thinkers: Wollstonecraft, Mill, Locke, Rawls.