1. Contemporary Challenges to Liberalism
Classical Liberalism
Effects
Modern Liberalism
Involves no government interference (hands off)
Proposes that the sole function of government is to protect individuals’ natural rights to life, liberty and property
Emphasizes economic liberalism and promotes the freedom of the entrepreneur
Contributed to the great depression
Contributed to the wealth gap between the more developed world and the rest of the world, thus leading to such things as political instability
Contributed to the development of counter-ideologies such as communism and fascism, and the expansion and revision of liberal ideals
Involves more government intervention (hands on)
Proposes that all individuals be valued equally
Proposes the development of programs to help disadvantaged individuals and eliminate the causes of poverty, crime, and abuse
Promotes initiatives to share the benefits of development and to develop wisely

2. Positive vs Negative Freedoms
Classical liberalism – negative freedoms
The belief that individuals should be free to make choices.
“Freedom from…” (oppression, control, discrimination, racism. Freedom from coercions and constraints that prevent a safe and free life.
Freedom from things being done to you that effect your wellbeing and right to life and liberty
Freedom of Conscience and Religion
Freedom of thought, opinion and expression
Freedom of Press and Communication
Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly
Industrial Revolution – growth of capitalism, equality of opportunity can create inequality.

3. Modern liberalism – positive freedoms
“Freedom to…” (you cannot be free if your Basic Standards of Living are not met, labor is exploited, or discriminated against. Freedom to acquire basic equality to promote liberty and life.
There are certain conditions in society that prevent individuals from achieving equality.
freedom to access education, health care, social programs, clean environment)
"Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services.” Article 25.1 UN Human Rights
Encourages government social and economic intervention: progressives, moderates, welfare state
Government intervention to ensure equality of outcome

4. How is modern liberalism challenged by alternative thought?
Environmentalism
An ideology that has influenced the rise of organizations such as Greenpeace who pressure the gov’t to enact laws to protect the environment.
Environmentalist often speak of the negative impact of many human economic activities however, advocates of free-market economies believe that environmental reform and more gov’t involvement in the economy will do more harm than good.
On the other hand, some governments and other political bodies have acted to promote a healthy environment along side the principles of modern liberalism.
Increased taxes on manufacturers and the regulation of natural resource consumption are just some of the ways that a gov’t can intervene in the economy for environmental protection.

5. Canada and The Carbon Tax
In Canada environmental issues have become part of the platforms for political parties such as the NDP, Liberals, Conservatives and Green Party.
The issue of reducing the emissions of specific pollutants has been a hot topic in Canadian parliament.
Obama USA
Australia Carbon tax

6. Neo-conservatism Definition is subject to interpretation
Many neo-conservatives are former liberals who believe that liberalism has failed.
Some neo-cons believe in a return to classical liberalism, while others challenge the principles of both classic and modern liberalism.
Emerged in the 1950’s and 60’s as a reaction to modern liberal principles that were taken too far. (Affirmative action- women and minorities were given greater educational and employment opportunities to fix past wrongs Goes against principles of equality and individualism)

7. Neo-conservatism
Neo-cons t agree with actively promoting capitalism and democracy. (promotion of these ideologies throughout the world)
Neo-conservative Economic Policy
Key to economic growth is to cut taxes and reduce gov’t involvement in economy.
Promotion of free trade
Privatization
Deregulation
Neo-conservatives do not agree with the extensive social programs offered by many modern government. This challenges both modern and classical liberalism (C.L believe the gov’t should be responsible for education)
Promotion of Private Schools.
Favour individualism over collectivism.

8. Neo-conservatism and Foreign Policy
Patriotism should be encouraged
Do not support the idea of a world gov’t as this would lead to tyranny
A large country should have a large military to promote its interests that extend beyond its boarders. E.g. Iraq 2003
Democratic capitalism is a preferred ideology and should be promoted worldwide.
Traditional views of society.
Influenced by the Christian Right, they are concerned with the downfall of morality.
Classical and Modern Liberals believe that religion should be a private matter, where neo-cons believe that religion should be commonplace in society.

9. Religious Perspectives
Religion can create both challenges and opportunities for a modern liberal society.
Religious freedom and tolerance is supported and promoted in most liberal democracies.
Read about the Doukhobors and Government Limitations on Religion on pg and answer the pause and reflect on pg. 289.

10. Christian Right and Politics
The Christian right (also known as the evangelical bloc) is a term used predominantly in the United States of America to describe right-wing Christian individuals and organizations characterized by their strong support of public polices of social conservatism.
Christian right is a term used to describe a coalition of conservative groups in the U.S that focus on applying specific Christian beliefs to public policy.
Believe that modern liberal societies stray from traditional morals and ethics.
Lobby the U.S gov’t to support their beliefs and implement policy based on those beliefs.

11. Aboriginal Collective Thought
Can be seen as a challenge to liberalism.
Place value on the importance of the collective.
Emphasis on a connection to the past and the value of Elders.
Egalitarianism valued- all people should be treated as equals and allowed equal civil, political, social and economic rights under the law.
Use of sentencing circles (which includes the judge from the trial, the offender, the victim, and members of the community including elders) to determine the sentence for an offender who has been found guilty of a crime by the justice system.

12. To Do: Explore the Issue pg. 279 # 1 a,b.
Read about the Doukhobors and Government Limitations on Religion on pg and answer the pause and reflect on pg. 289.
Read about Nunavut (pg ) and answer the first question in the pause and reflect on pg. 295