Chapter 3 – Liberalism, Pt 2

Liberalism & the French Revolution (1789-1799) The French Revolution was based on liberalism and on classical republicanism Declaration of the Rights of Man (liberalism) Civic virtue & “liberte, egalite, fraternite” More radical break (compared to the Amer Rev) from their aristocracy and monarchy Robespierre & the French Revolutionaries wanted to radically remake society Wanted to completely replace religious sentiment with reason & nationalism

Liberalism & the French Revolution (1789-1799) Third Estate (bourgeoisie & commoners) vs. the 1st Estate (Clergy) & 2nd Estate (Aristos) New Calendar: September 22, 1792, renamed 1 Vendemiaire (Vintage Month), Year 1. Over 16,000 guillotined, 300,000 imprisoned during the “Reign of Terror” from June 1793 to July 1794 Revolutionary excess eventually led to backlash 1795: Revolutionary leader Robespierre executed 1799: Napoleon Bonaparte seizes control to end revolution A more stable republican government in France will be constructed in 1870

Liberalism & Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations Liberalism in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was an ideology of laisser-faire, laissez-passer. The French Physiocrats made the case against mercantalism by promoting a program of international free trade. Adam Smith argued for minimalistic government: a “night-watchman state” In Smith’s view, Government should be restricted to Defending the nation Promoting justice by protecting property rights Building infrastucture and other prerequisites for commerce

Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations (Reading 3.15/3.16) Where does the modern division of labor come from, according to Smith? How do we fulfill our individual needs and wants, according to Smith? How does Smith account for differences in talents and specific occupations? Why does Smith compare the differences between people of varying professions against the differences between canine breeds?

Utilitarianism Utilitarianism emerges in 1800 as a new approach to Classical Liberalism Jeremy Bentham James Mill John Stuart Mill The Social Contract Theory of Hobbes & Locke was the first approach to Classical Liberalism.

Utilitarianism (con’t) Requires that political institutions should achieve “the greatest good for the greatest number of people.” Maximize utility (by helping people maximize long-term pleasure and minimize pain). Consistent with Smith’s laissez-faire liberalism Extending the franchise was required, to help achieve the greatest good, for the greatest number of people. Concerned with “progress” and a better society

John Stuart Mill and the Liberal Tradition John Stuart Mill began as a utilitarian who felt that one should be left alone so long as his actions do not cause harm to others. Mill was haunted by majority tyranny like Tocqueville, he prized uniqueness and eccentricity. Less government intervention would promote non conformism – and this would allow the best and the brightest to flower into genius and excellence. Mill also prized participation; but since he worried about majority tyranny he favored plural voting. The weight of your vote would be based on educational level.

John Stuart Mill and the Liberal Tradition Articulates the harm principle in On Liberty: “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.” His liberalism is conditioned on the need for progress and improvement in society Liberal elements: critical inquiry, debate, and a free marketplace of ideas Democratic elements: Political participation is essential for the formation of and exercise of moral character and public minded civility The usual democratic fears: A tyranny of public opinion and enslavement to popular fashion was a serious risk. Remedies: Education, the encouragement of diversity, protection from governmental constraints, plural voting.