Principles of Liberalism

• What is Individualism

  The idea that the individual is more important than the state or any other collective body
• What do liberals believe about human nature?

  Individuals are rational, capable and free to make their own decisions
• How does individualism link to tolerance?

  Makes humans free from prejudice as long as their actions don’t harm others
• What is freedom?

  The ability for one to make decisions based on one’s best interest
• Freedom is not absolute and can be limited by the state as law
• The human need for freedom overrides the ability of the state to intervene in people’s lives
• Why do early liberals dislike the power of the state?

  It overrides the freedom and individualism that builds its philosophy. They believe that the state should play a very little role in one’s life
• Why can the state be considered a necessary evil?

  It prevents disorder and exploitation of the poor
• Modern liberals believe in an enabling state and limited government
• Devolution can take power away from a concentrated centre of the state
• What is rationalism?

  The idea that humans are guided by reason rather than prejudice or emotion
• Humans need to be free to make decisions about their own interests.
• Rationalism therefore creates a progressive society as people move to develop on the society that currently exists
• What is equality of opporutnity?


  Everyone should have the same chance to make the best of themselves within society. Humans have different abilities which they should all be able to fufill.
• What is foundational equality?


  All people are born equal with universal human rights which cannot be taken from them by a higher power such as a state
• Social inequality: some inequality is acceptable as people have different talents which need to be rewarded.
• A meritocracy is created based on effort and ability
• What is formal equality?


  People have the same legal and political rights based on equality before the law
• Modern liberals believe that equality can only be achieved if the state gets involved to balance the wealth of society
• Liberal democracies are based on free elections, a state with limited power and a recognition of civil liberties including tolerance.
• A liberal democracy gives the government consent of the people making it legitimate,
• Citizens can hold the government to account in a liberal democracy, increasing the likelihood of tolerance and equality.
• Classical liberals fear the ‘tyranny of the majority’ whereby a mall group with an opinion may be ignored by the majority
• What is utilitarianism?


  Ethical theory that promotes actions that maximize overall happiness or utility.
• What is tolerance?


  Acceptance and respect for the beliefs, opinions, or practices of others.