To what extent does modern liberalism
depart from the ideas of classical
liberalism?
Intro
Classical liberals believe that freedom is best achieved through the state playing a minimal
role, w/ minimal to no interference.
Modern liberals believed capitalism didn't lead to freedom therefore they present freedom as
no longer simply being left alone.
Similarities and differences on how they view the individual
Similarities
Both view humans as capable, rational beings.
Both agree on view of foundational equality where everyone in society has an equal moral
worth and equal position in society.
Links to shared view of meritocracy where individuals are judged on the merit of their actions
alone.
Both believe in the natural rights of man, where man has the right to work and live wherever
they please
Differences
CLs: egoistical individualism (man is inherently selfish and therefore makes decisions in their
best interest)
MLs: Developmental individualism (individual can grow and realise their goals w/ others in
society)
CLs therefore take more atomistic view of individual
View of Individual Thinkers: Wollstonecraft , Friedan, & Locke
Mary Wollstonecraft (CL) believed women were just as capable and rational as men and
Friedan (ML) believed that women had the rationality to do anything men could do.
John Locke says "no man can take [the natural rights of man] away"
depart from the ideas of classical
liberalism?
Intro
Classical liberals believe that freedom is best achieved through the state playing a minimal
role, w/ minimal to no interference.
Modern liberals believed capitalism didn't lead to freedom therefore they present freedom as
no longer simply being left alone.
Similarities and differences on how they view the individual
Similarities
Both view humans as capable, rational beings.
Both agree on view of foundational equality where everyone in society has an equal moral
worth and equal position in society.
Links to shared view of meritocracy where individuals are judged on the merit of their actions
alone.
Both believe in the natural rights of man, where man has the right to work and live wherever
they please
Differences
CLs: egoistical individualism (man is inherently selfish and therefore makes decisions in their
best interest)
MLs: Developmental individualism (individual can grow and realise their goals w/ others in
society)
CLs therefore take more atomistic view of individual
View of Individual Thinkers: Wollstonecraft , Friedan, & Locke
Mary Wollstonecraft (CL) believed women were just as capable and rational as men and
Friedan (ML) believed that women had the rationality to do anything men could do.
John Locke says "no man can take [the natural rights of man] away"
