Chapter 3 Liberalism Introduction Introduction Hallmark of liberalism

Chapter 3 - Liberalism

Introduction

Introduction Hallmark of liberalism is the promotion of individual liberty

Introduction Hallmark of liberalism is the promotion of individual liberty HOWEVER…

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature:

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature: Human beings are fundamentally rational

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature: Human beings are fundamentally rational 1. Understand own interests AND

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature: Human beings are fundamentally rational 1. Understand own interests AND 2. Using reason, evaluate pros/cons, costs/benefits AND

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature: Human beings are fundamentally rational 1. Understand own interests AND 2. Using reason, evaluate pros/cons, costs/benefits AND 3. make choices which benefit those interests

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature: Human beings are fundamentally rational 1. Understand own interests AND 2. Using reason, evaluate pros/cons, costs/benefits AND 3. make choices which benefit those interests Responsibility?

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature: Human beings are fundamentally rational Self-interest is primary motivation

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature: Human beings are fundamentally rational Self-interest is primary motivation Humans are naturally competitive

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature: Human beings are fundamentally rational Self-interest is primary motivation Humans are naturally competitive Liberals consider the individual to be the best judge of her or his own interests

Obstacle: Agent: the individual Goal: The Liberal View of Freedom

Obstacle: Laws, customs, or conditions that block individual choice Agent: the individual Goal: The Liberal View of Freedom

Obstacle: Laws, customs, or conditions that block individual choice Agent: the individual Goal: to live as one chooses The Liberal View of Freedom

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature Freedom:

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature Freedom: Of Individual to choose what goals to pursue

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature Freedom: Of Individual to choose what goals to pursue Early liberals – objective barriers

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature Freedom: Of Individual to choose what goals to pursue Early liberals – objective barriers Later liberals - subjective barriers

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature Freedom: Of Individual to choose what goals to pursue Early liberals – objective barriers Later liberals - subjective barriers = focus on “equality” of opportunity not “equality” of outcomes

HUMAN NATURE & FREEDOM Human nature Freedom: Of Individual to choose what goals to pursue Early liberals – objective barriers Later liberals - subjective barriers = focus on “equality” of opportunity not “equality” of outcomes Choosing to live a way ≠ living a way

The Origins of Liberalism

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status”

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status” Religious conformity: The Church and Throne enforced a single view or single “truth” or “universal” understanding.

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status” Religious conformity: The Church and Throne enforced a single view or single “truth” or “universal” understanding. Ascribed status: notion that one’s social status is fixed and determined by birth into nobles and commoners.

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status” Liberalism begins to emerge: 5 keys

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status” Liberalism begins to emerge: 5 keys 1. Renaissance

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status” Liberalism begins to emerge: 5 keys 1. Renaissance 2. Black Death

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status” Liberalism begins to emerge: 5 keys 1. Renaissance 2. Black Death 3. New Trade and Commerce

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status” Liberalism begins to emerge: 5 keys 1. 2. 3. 4. Renaissance Black Death New Trade and Commerce Exploration

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status” Liberalism begins to emerge: 5 keys 5. Protestant Reformation – Begins 1521

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status” Liberalism begins to emerge: 5 keys 5. Protestant Reformation – Begins 1521 Martin Luther

The Origins of Liberalism Reaction against medieval concepts of “religious conformity” and “ascribed status” Liberalism begins to emerge: 5 keys 5. Protestant Reformation – Begins 1521 Martin Luther Scripture > Rituals/Sacraments (Church) Faith > Authority

English Liberalism in the 17 th Century

English Liberalism in the 17 th Century 1600 s – Economic & Religious Civil War

English Liberalism in the 17 th Century 1600 s – Economic & Religious Civil War Crown (King) vs Parliament and…

English Liberalism in the 17 th Century 1600 s – Economic & Religious Civil War Crown (King) vs Parliament and… Anglicans (Church of England) vs other Protestants

English Liberalism in the 17 th Century BUT since Church & State were united… government enforces “proper” rules and “proper” beliefs = criminals & heretics = brutal war

Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan (1651) was the first work of political philosophy to be considered liberal…why?

Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan (1651) was the first work of political philosophy to be considered liberal state of nature = all individuals are free with no authority over them

Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan (1651) was the first work of political philosophy to be considered liberal state of nature = all individuals are free with no authority over them These individuals have a natural right to do as they wish

Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan (1651) was the first work of political philosophy to be considered liberal state of nature = all individuals are free with no authority over them People are self-interested by nature - that turns the state of nature into a state of war

Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan (1651) was the first work of political philosophy to be considered liberal state of nature = all individuals are free with no authority over them Out of self-interest (survival) rational individuals form a social contract to establish a government to provide security

Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan (1651) was the first work of political philosophy to be considered liberal state of nature = all individuals are free with no authority over them Hobbes A) individuals are born equal – Liberal? B) Obey government by consent – Liberal? C) People surrender all rights but one – Liberal? D) Government has unlimited power – Liberal?

John Locke

John Locke Like Hobbes, Locke also starts with the state of nature:

John Locke Like Hobbes, Locke also starts with the state of nature: Individuals are naturally equal and free with natural rights

John Locke Like Hobbes, Locke also starts with the state of nature: Individuals are naturally equal and free with natural rights to life, liberty, and property Individuals form a social contract to establish a political society to protect their natural rights

John Locke Like Hobbes, Locke also starts with the state of nature: Locke A) individuals are born equal – Liberal? B) Obey government by consent – Liberal? C) People surrender few rights – Liberal? D) Government use limited power to protect natural – Liberal? E) people have a right to overthrow the government – Liberal?

The American Revolution

The American Revolutionaries used Locke’s theory of natural rights to justify the overthrow of British rule

The American Revolutionaries used Locke’s theory of natural rights to justify the overthrow of British rule The Declaration of Independence has two distinctively liberal positions:

The American Revolutionaries used Locke’s theory of natural rights to justify the overthrow of British rule The Declaration of Independence has two distinctively liberal positions: 1. “all men are created equal” – no ascribed status

The American Revolutionaries used Locke’s theory of natural rights to justify the overthrow of British rule The Declaration of Independence has two distinctively liberal positions: 1. “all men are created equal” – no ascribed status 2. Defense individual liberties from government (limited government)

The French Revolution

The French Revolution

The French Revolution Enlightenment thinkers in France began to challenge three leading features of the ancien régime (old order):

The French Revolution Enlightenment thinkers in France began to challenge three leading features of the ancien régime (old order): 1. Religious conformity – Catholicism

The French Revolution Enlightenment thinkers in France began to challenge three leading features of the ancien régime (old order): 1. 2. Religious conformity – Catholicism Aristocratic privilege – hereditary aristocracy

The French Revolution Enlightenment thinkers in France began to challenge three leading features of the ancien régime (old order): 1. 2. 3. Religious conformity – Catholicism Aristocratic privilege – hereditary aristocracy Political absolutism – king is above the law

The French Revolution Enlightenment thinkers in France began to challenge three leading features of the ancien régime (old order): 1. 2. 3. Religious conformity – Catholicism Aristocratic privilege – hereditary aristocracy Political absolutism – king is above the law French Revolutionaries originally set out to establish a limited government to protect the rights of citizens

The French Revolution Enlightenment thinkers in France began to challenge three leading features of the ancien régime (old order): 1. 2. 3. Religious conformity – Catholicism Aristocratic privilege – hereditary aristocracy Political absolutism – king is above the law French Revolutionaries originally set out to establish a limited government to protect the rights of citizens The revolution became increasingly radical

The French Revolution Enlightenment thinkers in France began to challenge three leading features of the ancien régime (old order): 1. 2. 3. Religious conformity – Catholicism Aristocratic privilege – hereditary aristocracy Political absolutism – king is above the law French Revolutionaries originally set out to establish a limited government to protect the rights of citizens The revolution became increasingly radical Demands for greater democracy superseded property rights

The French Revolution Enlightenment thinkers in France began to challenge three leading features of the ancien régime (old order): 1. 2. 3. Religious conformity – Catholicism Aristocratic privilege – hereditary aristocracy Political absolutism – king is above the law French Revolutionaries originally set out to establish a limited government to protect the rights of citizens The revolution became increasingly radical Demands for greater democracy superseded property rights 17, 000 suspected enemies of the Republic were guillotined during the “reign of terror” (June 1793 -July 1794)

The French Revolution Enlightenment thinkers in France began to challenge three leading features of the ancien régime (old order): 1. 2. 3. Religious conformity – Catholicism Aristocratic privilege – hereditary aristocracy Political absolutism – king is above the law French Revolutionaries originally set out to establish a limited government to protect the rights of citizens The revolution became increasingly radical Demands for greater democracy superseded property rights 17, 000 suspected enemies of the Republic were guillotined during the “reign of terror” (June 1793 -July 1794) French republic abolished by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799

Liberalism and “Capitalism”

Liberalism and “Capitalism” 17 th and 18 th century liberals began to focus on economic liberties (morality)

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice)

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation”

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” 1. Imperialism/colonization

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” 1. Imperialism/colonization 2. high tariffs

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” 1. Imperialism/colonization 2. high tariffs 3. government supported/protected firms

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” Middle class argued that:

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” Middle class argued that: 1. Barriers didn’t benefit the nation – just elites

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” Middle class argued that: 1. Barriers didn’t benefit the nation – just elites 2. Barriers created inequality and violated individual liberties

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” Middle class argued for removing these barriers because

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” Middle class argued for removing these barriers because 1. Would promote individual liberty and equal opportunity

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” Middle class argued for removing these barriers because 1. Would promote individual liberty and equal opportunity 2. Would benefit nation

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” Liberalism = choices and freedom to choose

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Mercantilism – economic policy that promotes national interests at the expense of individual liberty (free choice) Mercantilists see world as zero-sum game: one nation’s gain = another nation’s loss Used restraints and privileges to benefit “nation” Liberalism = choices and freedom to choose Capitalism = economic liberalism

Liberalism and “Capitalism” Adam Smith (1723 -90) – An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand

Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand • Government should have little to do with economic exchanges

Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand • Government should have little to do with economic exchanges • Restraints on competition = higher $, lower quality, fewer choices.

Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand • Government should have little to do with economic exchanges • Restraints on competition = higher $, lower quality, fewer choices. • trade barriers hurt consumer, stifle innovation

Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand • Government should have little to do with economic exchanges • Restraints on competition = higher $, lower quality, fewer choices. • trade barriers hurt consumer, stifle innovation • An “invisible hand” directs the private interests of individuals toward the common interest of society

Adam Smith’s Invisible Hand • Government should have little to do with economic exchanges • Three functions of government: • National defense, protection of property rights, and provision of “public works”

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832)

Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) Society must be made more rational

Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) Society must be made more rational 1. Accept that people are self-interested

Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) Society must be made more rational 1. Accept that people are self-interested 2. People seek pleasure, avoid pain = happiness

Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) Society must be made more rational 1. Accept that people are self-interested 2. People seek pleasure, avoid pain = happiness “Utility” = something that helps us seek pleasure and avoid pain

Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) Society must be made more rational 1. Accept that people are self-interested 2. People seek pleasure, avoid pain = happiness “Utility” = something that helps us seek pleasure and avoid pain Government should be utilitarian…how?

Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) Society must be made more rational 1. Accept that people are self-interested 2. People seek pleasure, avoid pain = happiness “Utility” = something that helps us seek pleasure and avoid pain Government should be utilitarian…how? 1. Leave people alone (people usually know best)

Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) Society must be made more rational 1. Accept that people are self-interested 2. People seek pleasure, avoid pain = happiness “Utility” = something that helps us seek pleasure and avoid pain Government should be utilitarian…how? 2. Use punishments/rewards to maximize social happiness

Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) Society must be made more rational 1. Accept that people are self-interested 2. People seek pleasure, avoid pain = happiness “Utility” = something that helps us seek pleasure and avoid pain Government should be utilitarian…how? 3. Maximize democracy (so government knows if it is maximizing happiness)

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism John Stuart Mill - defend and extend individual liberty

Utilitarianism John Stuart Mill - defend and extend individual liberty Stressed the “educative” rather than the “protective” aspect of democracy

Utilitarianism John Stuart Mill - defend and extend individual liberty Stressed the “educative” rather than the “protective” aspect of democracy Mill thought democracy was susceptible to “the tyranny of the majority” – democracy could threaten liberty

Utilitarianism John Stuart Mill - defend and extend individual liberty Stressed the “educative” rather than the “protective” aspect of democracy Mill thought democracy was susceptible to “the tyranny of the majority” – democracy could threaten liberty Therefore government can act against individuals who harm or threaten others

Mill on the Limits of Government

Mill on the Limits of Government The harm principle

Mill on the Limits of Government The harm principle Establishes the only legitimate purpose for the use of government power over its citizens

As a result of the industrial revolution, liberalism split into two competing camps

As a result of the industrial revolution, liberalism split into two competing camps Neoclassical liberals - Negative freedom: absence of restraint (p 70)

As a result of the industrial revolution, liberalism split into two competing camps Neoclassical liberals - Negative freedom: absence of restraint (p 70) Welfare liberals - Positive freedom: freedom to do something (71 -73)

As a result of the industrial revolution, liberalism split into two competing camps Neoclassical liberals - Negative freedom: absence of restraint (p 70) Welfare liberals - Positive freedom: freedom to do something (71 -73) Section distorted by the authors own welfare liberalism – see examples

Liberalism in the 20 th century

Liberalism in the 20 th century Welfare > Neoclassicals

Liberalism in the 20 th century Welfare > Neoclassicals 1. “Big Business” (+government)

Liberalism in the 20 th century Welfare > Neoclassicals 1. “Big Business” (+government) 2. The Great Depression (+government)

Liberalism in the 20 th century Welfare > Neoclassicals 1. “Big Business” (+government) 2. The Great Depression (+government) 3. John Maynard Keynes (Keynesianism) (+government)

Liberalism in the 20 th century Martin Luther King

Liberalism in the 20 th century Martin Luther King “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. ”

Liberalism in the 20 th century John Rawls (1921 -2002) “Social Justice”

Liberalism in the 20 th century Robert Nozick (1938 -2002) The Minimal State

Liberalism in the 20 th century Murray Rothbard (1926 -95) Libertarianism

Liberalism as an Ideology

Liberalism as an Ideology Explanation: Evaluation: Orientation: Program:

A New “New Deal” – p 86 -88 Propaganda: “a form of communication aimed towards influencing attitudes by presenting only one side of an argument. Propaganda statements may be partly false and partly true. ” “Propaganda often presents facts selectively to encourage a particular conclusion, or uses loaded terms to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented. ”