society

• classical liberals believe that human society predates the state, while all liberals see society as a collection of diverse and potentially autonomous individuals, seeking self-determination, self-realisation and self-fulfilment
• Modern liberals like Rawls, however, believe that industrialised and urban societies are those where individuals are less autonomous and therefore require state support to be free (‘positive liberty’). They would support a Welfare State and social services.
• Neo-liberals often see society as one where individuals have been damaged or unnecessarily restricted  by ‘positive liberty’ and that the ‘dependency culture’ must now be corrected by a radical reduction of the state
• Society (in liberalism)

  • A collection of individuals, all seeking their own fulfilment
  • Foundational equality, where all people are born equal
  • Meritocracy, where people succeed through their ability and hard work
  • Equality of opportunity rather than equality of outcome
• Classical liberals

  Believe in foundational equality and meritocracy
• Modern liberals

  Think equality of opportunity is not enough, as people are born into poverty or disadvantage, and need support from the state to be free
• Neoliberals

  Disagree with modern liberals, and believe the state needs to reduce its role, even to the point of not believing in society