Liberalism

• Extent to which liberals are united on human nature


  • Agree: Humans are rational beings guided by reason and self-interest
  • Disagree: Humans can pursue their goals without the state
• Enlightenment liberalism


  Marked a major shift in how human nature was viewed, switching from a view rooted in Christianity and the idea of original sin
• Classical liberal John Locke's view of human nature


  • Optimistic and rationalistic
  • Rejected 17th century structure of authority based on divine right
  • Advocated for authority based on "social contract theory" in which individuals obey the state provided they improve their personal situation
  • Concept of limited "watchman state" adjudicating on disputes where necessary
• Modern liberal John Rawls' political views


  • Influenced by the theory of justice
  • Argued for "veil of ignorance" in which individuals wouldn't know where they would end up, so they would choose a society that supports the disadvantaged
  • Believed human nature is rational and guided by self-interest
• Men and women are equal in society


  But women are disadvantaged by society
• Classic liberal Wollstonecraft's views


  • Criticised 18th century society for holding women back from realising their full potential and treating them as irrational
  • Argued for education to develop women's rationality
• Modern liberal Betty Friedan's views


  • Although women were granted legal equality, they are condemned to underachievement by illiberal attitudes
  • Advocated for an enabling state with more formal equality
• Disagreement among liberals


  • Classic liberals driven by views of negative freedom (freedom through absence of constraint)
  • John Stuart Mill believed in developmental individualism through universal education
  • John Rawls argued for an enabling state with progressive taxation and extensive public service provision to help the most disadvantaged