Differing views and tensions within liberalism

• How are the views of freedom different?

  Classical: believe in negative freedom (individuals thrive when left alone by the state)

  Modern: under free capitalism, not everyone can be truly free because they are held back by disadvantaged circumstances
• How are the views on society different?

  Classical: society is merely a collection of individuals (atomistic)

  Modern: holistic view of society - promotion of the common good goes hand in hand with individual freedom
• How are the views on the state different?

  Classical: state intervention takes decision making out of hands of individuals and reduces self reliance

  Modern: some state intervention is needed to promote a fair society in which people can make the most out of their talents and opportunities
• Develop further on modern liberals view on the state

  Government provision of welfare services help relieve poverty rather than expecting individuals to solely rely on themselves
• How are the views on the economy different?

  Classical: believed in a largely self regulating economy

  Modern: Sees flaws of capitalism - government management is needed to minimise the effects of economic downturns which leads to mass unemployment and poverty if not corrected
• Both believe in equality of opportunities and equal civil rights
• How are the views of the state similar?

  Both believe in limiting the state and the decentralisation of power. Governments should be held to account
• How are the views on the economy similar?

  Both support fundamental concepts of private ownership and capitalism as opposed to a state controlled economy