Warm Up Activity Make a list of all that you know about the concept of Liberalism.

Liberalism

Objective Today we will be able to describe the main aspects of the philosophy of Liberalism, and be able to identify its main tenets by analyzing the primary source, In Defence of Laissez-Faire.

What is Liberalism? A political philosophy or worldview founded on the ideas of liberty and equality Nineteenth-century liberalism was more than an economic and political theory: it was a way of viewing the world. Liberals felt that human progress was inevitable.

Liberalism’s Main Tenets All individuals should be equal before the law. Individuals were born good, free, and capable of improvement. Economic liberals believed in “laissez-faire”, or “hands-off” economics.  The economy should operate freely without state interference. Governments should be organized by constitutions and be representative. People should have civil liberties such as freedom of the press and of assembly. The middle and lower classes should be able to participate in political life.  Not necessarily women and the landless poor though.

Laissez – Faire Economics Laissez – Faire: “Let do as (one) pleases”. Economic liberals feel that non- intervention by the state in the economy will bring the greatest degree of prosperity and happiness. Adam Smith, author of, The Wealth of Nations (1776), was a leading advocate of government non-interference in the economy. When people pursue their own interest in the economy, they create wealth. This assists the general good and allocates resources in society like an “invisible hand”.

In Defence of Laissez-Faire, c Pamphlet Read the pamphlet, In Defence of Laissez-Fair. Answer the guided reading questions in complete sentences.