1. Thinkers, Beliefs, Radicalism, and Classical Liberalism.
Identify principles of liberalism that have remained constant over time.
Determine the degree to which contemporary political figures reflect a liberal ideology.

2. Principles of Liberalism
individual rights and freedoms
self-interest
Competition
Separation of State
economic freedom
rule of law
Free speech
private property.
Right to vote
Social Contract

3. 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
Humans are naturally selfish and could live in peace by giving up all of their political rights to a ruler (Leviathan) who would in turn protect them.
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.

4. 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
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.
Advocated for rule of law and protection of civil liberties, rights, and freedoms under a constitution.

5. 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
Separation of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government which would keep the government accountable.
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.

6. Opposition to the current economic system (mercantilism).
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.
Opposition to the current economic system (mercantilism).
Free market and limited govt. role in the economy were controversial ideas.
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.

7. Individual rights and freedoms.
Thinkers
Beliefs
How their ideas were radical at that time.
How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism
Mill
Believed in individual rights and freedoms as well as free speech. Only limitation should be if one’s actions could harm another.
Emphasis on rights and freedoms in an era where these rights were restricted.
Individual rights and freedoms.

8. 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”
Emphasis on rights and freedoms
Majority protection.

9. 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.
Capitalist economic principles without government interference was controversial.
Self-interest, competition, and economic freedom.

10. Principles of liberalism: constant or evolving?
Liberalism as an ideology has retained some core principles and values that reflect a particular view of human nature and the role of governments in society.
Over time these principles have evolved and developed into different perspectives of how society should operate.
Events that have occurred have led to changes in the way economics, political and social relationships have cooperated.
This idea describes a shift from classic liberalism to modern liberalism and is to this day evolving into contemporary liberalism.

11. Where do all the thinkers go?