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Liberalism – Quick Notes
Unlock the fundamentals of Liberalism, a foundational ideology in political thought. Essential quick notes for Political Science and UGC NET!
Core Idea
- Emphasizes individual liberty, rationality, limited government, and rule of law.
- Believes state exists to serve individual interests.
Historical Origin
- Emerged in 17th–18th century Europe against monarchy and feudalism.
- Inspired by Enlightenment thinkers like Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire.
Key Concepts
- Individualism: The individual is the primary unit of society.
- Contract Theory: State is formed by mutual consent to protect natural rights.
- Negative Liberty (Classical) vs Positive Liberty (Modern)
Types of Liberalism
- Classical Liberalism
- Minimal state
- Free-market economy (Laissez-faire)
- Negative liberty
- Thinkers: Locke, Adam Smith, Mill (early)
- Modern Liberalism
- Welfare state
- Positive liberty
- Emphasis on equality and social justice
- Thinkers: T.H. Green, L.T. Hobhouse, Dewey
- Libertarianism
- Extreme form of classical liberalism
- Maximum individual freedom
- State = “Night-watchman”
- Neo-Liberalism
- Market-friendly reforms
- Privatization, deregulation
- Thinkers: Hayek, Milton Friedman
Key Thinkers & Works:
| Thinker | Idea | Major Work |
|---|---|---|
| John Locke | Natural rights, social contract | Two Treatises of Government |
| J.S. Mill | Liberty, Harm Principle | On Liberty |
| Adam Smith | Free market, Invisible Hand | Wealth of Nations |
| T.H. Green | Positive liberty, Welfare state | Prolegomena to Ethics |
| Hayek | Critique of socialism | Road to Serfdom |
| Friedman | Neo-liberal economics | Capitalism and Freedom |
Critiques
- C.B. Macpherson: Called it "Possessive Individualism"
- Ignores inequality, social structures, collective goals
Liberalism continues to evolve, reflecting changing societal needs and challenges.