Liberalism: key terms

Question 1

Mechanistic theory

Answer 1

Mankind is rational and therefore capable of devising a state that meets mankind’s needs. In opposition to the Divine Right of Kings, which argued that obedience to the monarch was a religious duty.

Question 2

Egotistical individualism

Answer 2

Human beings will advance their own interests in the pursuit of happiness. But, as man is also rational, this will not lead to conflict or gross insensitivity.

Question 3

Economic liberalism

Answer 3

Also known as capitalism. Its links to liberalism are a belief in the “natural right” to private property, individualism (involving individual traders co-operating and competing), and that it’s for the ultimate benefit of all, reflecting liberalism’s belief in progress.

Question 4

Individualism

Answer 4

The individual should be at the heart of political thought, the economy and society. Politicians should therefore enable self-determination, self-realisation and self-fulfilment.

Question 5

Self-determination

Answer 5

Control over one’s own life

Question 6

Self-realisation

Answer 6

Reaching full potential

Question 7

Self-fulfilment

Answer 7

Achieving one’s “personal mission”

Question 8

State of nature

Answer 8

What life might have been like before laws and governments.

Question 9

Social contract

Answer 9

The “deal” between governments and governed. The governed submit to the state’s laws, and the government guarantees certain rights. If the government violates those rights, the contract is broken and the citizen need no longer obey the government’s laws.

Question 10

Harm principle (or tolerance principle)

Answer 10

Views and activities should be tolerated as long as they do not harm the freedom of others.

Question 11

Foundational or legal equality

Answer 11

Every individual is born equal, with equal natural rights.

Question 12

Equality of opportunity

Answer 12

All individuals should be allowed similar opportunities to develop their potential.

Question 13

Limited government

Answer 13

A state limited in what it can do by the constitution. The opposite of arbitrary, monarchical rule.

Question 14

Laissez-faire capitalism

Answer 14

An economic system which allows private enterprise and market forces to operate with little or no state interference.

Question 15

Negative liberty

Answer 15

Freedom FROM something; or, the absence of restraint: Individuals are naturally free until something or someone stops them doing what they want to. Allows individuals to be left alone to pursue their destiny.

Question 16

Minimal state

Answer 16

Reflects “negative liberty” by minimising state activity such as taxation, while maintaining it in areas such as defence.

Question 17

Classical liberalism

Answer 17

A belief in liberalism’s revolutionary potential, negative liberty, the minimal state and laissez-faire capitalism.

Question 18

Developmental individualism

Answer 18

JS Mill’s focus on what individuals could become, rather than what they had become - emphasising the value of formal education.

Question 19

Modern liberalism

Answer 19

In response to the industrial revolution and the extension of the franchise, a belief in positive freedom, an enabling state, constitutional change and social liberalism.

Question 20

Positive freedom

Answer 20

Freedom TO DO something.

Individuals left alone are often inhibited rather than free, thus they must be helped to help themselves

Question 21

Enabling state

Answer 21

One that sees to “liberate” people from restrictive social and economic problems, thus “enabling” them, e.g. through progressive taxation and laws regulating industrial practices.

Question 22

Veil of ignorance

Answer 22

Rawls’: if people had no idea about the type or role they would have in a society, they would design (from behind this “veil of ignorance” a fairer one.

Question 23

Social liberalism

Answer 23

Updated version of the historic liberal belief in tolerance. Involves legislation to protect individuals from discrimination.

Question 24

The Enlightenment

Answer 24

A 17th/18th century intellectual movement defined by a belief in reason rather than faith, leading to many radical ideas.

Question 25

Government by consent

Answer 25

The idea that the state is legitimate only if those it governs have effectively volunteered to be governed by it: governments must have the consent of the governed.

Question 26

Tolerance

Answer 26

Individual choices, practices and beliefs should be tolerated.

Question 27

The state

Answer 27

A collection of permanent institutions that make up a nation under one government.

Question 28

Rationalism

Answer 28

The belief that humans are rational creatures, capable of reason and logic.

Question 29

Formal equality

Answer 29

Equal status for all, regardless of background. In practice, for liberals this means equality before the law and universal suffrage.

Question 30

Meritocracy

Answer 30

Individuals should be defined by merit and ability, not social circumstances. Achieved status is more important than acquired status.

Question 31

Social contract

Answer 31

An invisible agreement between the people and state in which the former consent to be ruled by the latter. Pioneered by Locke.