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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. 1
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Believed in individual rights and freedoms as well as free speech.
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.
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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” Advocated individual and economic freedom,separation of church and state, freedom of expression, equal rights for women, right to divorce, and the decriminalisation of homosexual acts Majority protections to ensure the greatest happiness for the greatest number
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Government should not regulate this at all.
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.
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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.
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