| What brought the rise of Modern Liberalism? | -Classical was Accepted in the Pre-Democratic Victorian Ages
-But as the Impact of the Industrial Revolution grew Starker, its appeal became well Yucky
-Poverty, Sickness and Ignorance were Commonplace, and well it led to a Contradiction between what Liberals promised
-English Philosopher T.H Green (1836-1882) said Classical Liberalism wouldn't lead to the Freedom it aimed for, apart from a Successful few
-Formal Equality, based on law, Shockingly didn't lead to Equality of Opportunity
-This obviously meant Change was needed else Liberalism would just Fade away |
| What did Modern Liberals realise? | -The shocking state for the Majority of the Population during the Victorian Era had to be sorted out. The State had to get Involved
-Development Equality needed State Intervention. When people spend Most of their Lives in Unhealthy Factories, and with little Rights, there is 0 chance they can develop as Rational Beings
-An Inactive State as well as Capitalism led to Poverty and Divison |
| What happened during the 20th-century Liberalism?
-What was the Beveridge Report about? | -The beginning of the Century saw 2 Liberal Governments, led by Asquith and Lloyd George who brought about Welfare Measures, and also the 1911 House of Lords Act
-Because positive freedom began being more Popular with Liberals, they started to see more of a Role of the State.
-The Beveridge Report (1942) said that Beginning Life Disadvantages led to Opportunities to Prosper were Unequal. Formal Equality does nothing to Change this. |
| Because of the Beveridge Report, how did Modern Liberals try to achieve Equality of Opportunity
-How did this change their perspective on Individualism? | -Positive Freedom was the new method to Ensure Individual Development and Self-Fulfilment
-This thus makes them Less Individualistic and more on trying to pursuit the Goal of the Common Good - Individuals are not Truly Free if some of them are Not |
| What did JS Mill say about Individuality and what did this do to perspective on the State? | -JS Mill argued some People will Fail to succeed, and it isn't even their Fault of their Own (Lack of Education, Poor Housing/Living conditions)
-Therefore the State needs to ensure All Individuals have a Genuine Real Chance of being Successful in Life and ensuring True Liberty
-This is Developmental Individualism - not Egoistical Individualism where the Human doesn't care for the Success others have.
-The State is seen as a Source for Empowerment, not Oppression. |
| Why would Modern Liberals appreciate Keynesianism? | -Keynesianism advocates for State Intervention and Investment to Protect Workers and maintain Economic Stability
-Progressive Taxation, Regulations on Working Rights, Universal Free Education, Welfare, Benefits... This is all linked to Keynesianism
-This goes side by side with Positive Freedom. Keynes wanted a Mixed Economy which creates a Level Playing Field and ensuring True Equality of Opportunity |
| Why would it be Incorrect to say Socialists and Modern Liberals have the same Ideas and Principles | -There is a genuine Link Between them, especially with Revisionist Socialists like Blair
-But the Focus for Modern Liberals is on the Individual and allowing it to Succeed in its goals - not have a 'Cradle to Grave' Collectivist Vision
-Liberal Reforms did lead to a Welfare State sure, but they were still Limited and tried to aim not to create a Dependency Culture |
| Why would Modern Liberals support Democracy? | -Contrasting to Classical Liberals, Modern sees it - especially its Liberal Form - as the Only Way to Spread Power away from the Centre, and prevent Dangerous Concentrations and Tyranny.
-Democracy should encourage Greater Participation, Improvements in Education and allowing Individual Self-Development |
| Why would it be Incorrect to Assume Modern Liberalism is a Complete Break from Classical Liberalism? | -There are differences, but the Focus remains on the Rational, Self-Interested, Individual - not a Group or Collective Body
-Individuals Needs and Interests are the Starting Point. Society should be Based on allowing Individuals the Greatest Opportunity to Satisfy their Interests |
