Classic Liberalism

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Jan 9, 2024

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Classic Liberalism Gerardo Aguilar Vera College of Humanities &Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University GOV-307: Introduction to Political Theory Scott Robinson November 12, 2023

Classic Liberalism The main goal of classical liberalism, a political theory, and ideology associated with liberalism, is to protect individual liberty by limiting the power of the state (Ball & O'Neill, 2020). The idea originated in the nineteenth century in response to urbanization and the Industrial Revolution in Europe and the United States. The tenets and concepts of classical liberalism date back to the late eighteenth century. A few psychological theories advanced by Thomas Malthus, John Locke, Adam Smith, and John Stuart Mill were based on the ideas of individual liberty, the ideas that natural law and utilitarianism are incompatible with one another, and the idea that progress is inevitable. John Locke argued that the primary goal of government is to liberate the people, not to subjugate them. The only things that liberals want from the government are protection and maybe some "encouragement"(Huyler, 1997). Different forms of liberalism may support very different policies, even though most liberals think that government is necessary to protect rights. Although they disagree on the role of the government, they both believe that human rights should be strictly enforced. Although liberalism comes in many forms, the two main forms that are associated with it are classical liberalism and social liberalism. Nonetheless, they can come together and support several ideas as a group. These include restrictions on political power and wide freedom of speech and opinion. In addition, a contemporary economy, a transparent and democratic political system, and the legal system. Real freedom, according to classical liberalism, comes only from the absence of government economic intervention. The economic independence of individuals ought to be shielded from authorities, including the government, to the greatest extent feasible. Classical liberals believe that people should interact with people regardless of their background and be accepting of others rather than pressuring them to comply.

Their goal is to minimize coercion. Even though some liberal intellectuals think there is no use for government. Most people believe it fulfills a necessary but very specific function. It exists to keep people safe from domestic and international violence and criminal activity, as well as to enforce the law when violence is used. The idea that the government ought to actively participate in promoting citizens' freedoms is contested by social liberalism. Furthermore, social liberalism advocates that people can only truly be free when they are debt-free, mentally, and physically well, and somewhat educated (Zipp, 1986). They also think and believe in the rule of law, which holds that all citizens are subject to the same laws, preventing those in positions of power from using the legal system to further their own goals. The ideology and belief system known as classical liberalism places a high value on individual liberty while reducing the role of the government. While liberalism comes in many forms, the two most well-known are classical liberalism and social liberalism. Nevertheless, they can unite in support of a set of principles. These include restrictions on political power and broad freedoms of speech and thought. A transparent and democratic political system and a modern economy are also crucial. Classical liberalism was influenced by a wide range of intellectuals. These intellectuals support a wide range of political theories with their ideas and thoughts.

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References Ball, T., Dagger, R., & O'Neill, D. I. (2020). Political ideologies and the democratic ideal (11th ed.). New York, NY Huyler, J. (1997). Was Locke a liberal? Independent Review , 1 (4), 523. Zipp, J. F. (1986). Social Class and Social Liberalism. Sociological Forum , 1 (2), 301–329.

Classic Liberalism

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