Philosophers and Thinkers Of Classical Liberalism

Aboriginal Contributions Thinkers whose ideas contributed to the ideology of economic, social and political liberalism Thomas Hobbes John Locke Baron de Montesquieu John Stuart Mill Adam Smith Aboriginal Contributions

If the leader did not protect the citizens, they could overthrow him. Thinkers Beliefs How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism Hobbes 1588-1679 If the leader did not protect the citizens, they could overthrow him. Hobbes valued the worth and protection of individual subjects. Believed in a Social contract. Hobbes emphasis on the best interests of individuals (even under a strong political authority) reflects the importance of rights and freedoms. Social contract implies a degree of accountability.

Focused on reason and logic to determine actions. Thinkers Beliefs How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism Locke 1632-1704 Focused on reason and logic to determine actions. Believed humans had inalienable natural rights: Life, liberty, security, private property Government accountability to the people. Ownership and protection of private property. Believed in a Social contract.

Wanted to eliminate the French monarchy. Thinkers Beliefs How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism Montesquieu 1689-1755 Wanted to eliminate the French monarchy. Placed high importance on the rule of law, the constitutional limitations on government, and the primacy of individual rights and freedoms.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) Swiss Philosopher Believed people are inherently good _________. Believed men are naturally free and equal Wanted humans to go back to these natural, good characteristics He believed the will of the people was the absolute authority but, _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________. He believed citizens should make the laws directly

Thinkers Beliefs How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism Smith Believed that if individuals were free to make their own decisions in a free market, their self-interest (invisible hand) would benefit society as a whole. Economic ideas are directly related to economic freedom, self-interest, competition, and private property. Ideas can also be tied to rule of law (contracts) and individual rights and freedoms.

Individual rights and freedoms. Thinkers Beliefs How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism Mill 1806-1873 Believed in individual rights and freedoms as well as free speech. Only limitation should be if one’s actions could harm another. Individual rights and freedoms.

liberty, rights, and so on exist independent of government Thinkers Beliefs How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism Bentham Utilitarian liberty, rights, and so on exist independent of government "the greatest happiness for the greatest number” Majority protection.

Self-interest, competition, and economic freedom. Thinkers Beliefs How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism Ricardo The wages paid to workers should be determined by supply and demand for their skills. Government should not regulate this at all. Self-interest, competition, and economic freedom.