Liberalism

• Classical liberalism: Economy + State

  • Developed with the emergence of the mercantile class (businessmen, rights against the state)
  • They call for a free market, and a Laissez-Faire approach to the economy - Adam Smith "The Wealth of the Nations"
  • Highly meritocratic
  • The state is necessary to establish and maintain the market (maintain the value of the currency, maintain an orderly environment where trade can take place)
  • The state is also needed for law + order.
  • John Locke, the state ought to be like "a nightwatchman"
• Classical liberalism: Rights + freedoms

  • Rights should be inalienable
  • Negative freedom: "freedom from" various social shackles, such as economic management from government, too many laws, and limits on freedom of speech and religion.
  • "a night watchman state" - Locke
• Modern Liberalism: Rights + freedoms

  • Positive freedom - ability to do, "freedom to" achieve something
  • Seen through: William Beverdige's 5 giants and the 1945 welfare reforms; and the New Labour ethos. (Positive freedoms are not exclusive to liberal ideologies)
  • J.S MIll "On Liberty 1859" - The Harm principle: an individual's actions should be restricted if they hurt others
  • Equality of opportunity: a state has a role in overcoming discrimination
• Modern Liberalism: Economy and state:

  • Equality of opportunity: a state has a role in overcoming discrimination
  • Keynesian economics: the market is volatile
  • The market requires government intervention + spending to stimulate the economy