old 2

• The 6 core principles of liberalism are:

  1. Individualism
  2. Freedom/liberty
  3. The State
  4. Rationalism
  5. Equality and social justice
  6. Liberal Democracy
• What is individualism?


  The belief that the individual is more important than the state or other collective bodies
• What is egotistical individualism?


  The belief that individual freedom is associated with a rational sense of self reliance and self interest
• What is freedom/liberty?

  The ability and right to make decisions in your own interest
• What is the state regarded as by liberals?

  A necessary evil
• Why is the state regarded as a necessary evil?

  It is necessary to avoid disorder but evil as it has potential to remove individual liberty. Thus it should be limited
• What is rationalism?


  The belief that humans are guided by reason and logic
• What is equality/social justice?

  The belief that individuals are of equal value and that they should be treated with impartiality and fairly by society
• What is a liberal democracy?

  A democracy that balances the will of the people as shown through free and fair elections, with limited government (state) and a respect for civil liberties in society
• What is tolerance?

  Acceptance and respect for the beliefs, opinions, or practices of others that you may disagree with
• What is negative freedom？

  A conception of freedom that is defined as the absence of restraint
• What is positive freedom?

  A conception of freedom that sees the state playing a role to assist individuals to achieve their aspirations and develop as individuals
• What is a limited government?

  When a government‘s role is restricted by checks and balances and a separation of power. This is due to the corrupting nature of power
• What is lasisse-faire capitalism?

  An economic system organised by the market where goods are produced to exchange for profit. Wealth is privately owned
• What is equality of opportunity?

  When all individuals have equal chances in life to rise and fall
• What is foundational equality?

  The idea that all humans are born equal with universal rights that cannot be taken away
• What is a meritocracy?


  A society organised on the basis that success is based on ability and hard work
• What is the social contract?


  An agreement between individuals and their government, where the government provides security in exchange for some freedoms. The people have a right to rebel if the government breaks the contract