To what extent are there contradictions within liberalism? (45)
Liberalism is an ideology which places its main focus on individualism: the belief in the utmost importance of the individual over any social group or collective body. A key tenet within liberalism is that of universalism, the belief that a person is worth one and no more than one. This, coupled with the belief that humans are innately rational beings, encourages a tolerant, diverse society which focuses on maintaining social justice. Liberalism is split into two branches: classical liberalism and modern liberalism. Classical Liberal views were mostly developed throughout the nineteenth century, dominating the political thinking of that time, with modern liberal views only emerging …show more content…
Despite the broad links between classic and modern liberalism, there are essential differences in ideas, which impact on policies and views on the economy, state and welfare. Classical Liberalism views the state as a necessary evil, its role being only to deal with foreign affairs and act as a ‘night-watchman’, protecting the people within the state. Thomas Hobbes develops this idea in Leviathan, 1651 where he compares the state to the mythical sea monster Leviathan. Hobbes uses this analogy to explain how whilst the state will protect the people from external forces, without checks and balances the state will become over mighty, creating a concentration of power and therefore Tyranny of the Minority. However, despite the the risks of an over mighty state, Hobbes concludes that without a state, life would be “nasty, brutish and short”. Classical Liberalism strongly believes in a laissez-faire approach and so leans towards negative freedoms, following on naturally from the minimal role of the state, the idea that an individual is free from external interference. The distinction between positive and and negative rights is
Liberalism is an ideology which places its main focus on individualism: the belief in the utmost importance of the individual over any social group or collective body. A key tenet within liberalism is that of universalism, the belief that a person is worth one and no more than one. This, coupled with the belief that humans are innately rational beings, encourages a tolerant, diverse society which focuses on maintaining social justice. Liberalism is split into two branches: classical liberalism and modern liberalism. Classical Liberal views were mostly developed throughout the nineteenth century, dominating the political thinking of that time, with modern liberal views only emerging …show more content…
Despite the broad links between classic and modern liberalism, there are essential differences in ideas, which impact on policies and views on the economy, state and welfare. Classical Liberalism views the state as a necessary evil, its role being only to deal with foreign affairs and act as a ‘night-watchman’, protecting the people within the state. Thomas Hobbes develops this idea in Leviathan, 1651 where he compares the state to the mythical sea monster Leviathan. Hobbes uses this analogy to explain how whilst the state will protect the people from external forces, without checks and balances the state will become over mighty, creating a concentration of power and therefore Tyranny of the Minority. However, despite the the risks of an over mighty state, Hobbes concludes that without a state, life would be “nasty, brutish and short”. Classical Liberalism strongly believes in a laissez-faire approach and so leans towards negative freedoms, following on naturally from the minimal role of the state, the idea that an individual is free from external interference. The distinction between positive and and negative rights is