☆ Core ideologies

• Individualism

  The right of individuals are more important than a social group
• What are the two types of individualism?

  • Developmental individualism: individual freedom will lead to a society in which everyone works for the benefit of all individuals (human flourishing)
  • Egoistical individualism: people are self-centred, society is made up of a group of separate people who aren't reliant on each other (ego-self)
• Essential for individualism: Tolerance

  A willingness to accept beliefs / values that you disagree with

  
  

  Essential for individualism to work: without tolerance for the consequences of others individual rights, there might be conflict

  
  

  e.g. - liberals would support same-sex marriage
• Freedom / Liberty

  Ability and right to make decisions within own interest based on your view of human nature
• The state

  Liberals dislike the state, but believe its necessary to protect the weak and defend individuals rights (e.g. provide education, punish criminals)
• The state - a 'necessary evil'

  Liberals don't like the state, but believe its necessary to protect the weak and defend individual rights (e.g. provide education, punish criminals.)

  
  

  'Evil' - has potential to remove rights of the individual and become corrupt

  
  

  Therefore, it should be (government limited) - USA, separation of powers / UK devolution
• Rationalism

  Humans are capable of reason and logic - they can make their own moral choices

  
  

  Individuals can be trusted to make their own choices, without guidance from church or states, making the individual responsible for themselves

  
  

  Liberals like progress - new ideas and education to help people to become rational individuals

  
  

  E.G. - United Nations allows countries to discuss their differences and find solutions
• The state and the economy

  Liberals support laissez-faire capitalism:

  the state should not be involved within the economy, instead goods should made and sold for profit which benefits the individual.
• Equality / Social justice

  Individuals are of equal value and that they should be treated fairly by society - equality of opportunity