Philosophers and Thinkers Of Classical Liberalism Thinkers whose

Philosophers and Thinkers Of Classical Liberalism

Thinkers whose ideas contributed to the ideology of economic, social and political liberalism • Thomas Hobbes • John Locke • Baron de Montesquieu • John Stuart Mill • Adam Smith • Aboriginal Contributions

Thinkers Hobbes 1588 -1679 Beliefs How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism ►If Hobbes emphasis on the best interests of individuals (even under a strong political authority) reflects the importance of rights and freedoms. Social contract implies a degree of accountability. the leader did not protect the citizens, they could overthrow him. ►Hobbes valued the worth and protection of individual subjects. ►Believed in a Social contract.

Thinkers Beliefs Locke Focused on 1632 -1704 reason and logic to determine actions. Believed humans had inalienable natural rights: Life, liberty, security, private property How their ideas were radical at that time. ►Government accountability to the people. ►Ownership and protection of private property. ►Believed in a Social contract. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism

Thinkers Montesq uieu 16891755 Beliefs How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism Wanted to eliminate the French monarchy. Placed high importance on the rule of law, the constitutional limitations on government, and the primacy of individual rights and freedoms.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 -1778) • Swiss Philosopher • Believed people are inherently good _____. • Believed men are naturally free and equal • Wanted humans to go back to these natural, good characteristics • He believed the will of the people was the absolute authority but, ________________________. • He believed citizens should make the laws directly

Thinkers Beliefs Smith Believed that if individuals were free to make their own decisions in a free market, their self-interest (invisible hand) would benefit society as a whole. How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism Economic ideas are directly related to economic freedom, selfinterest, competition, and private property. Ideas can also be tied to rule of law (contracts) and individual rights and freedoms.

Thinkers Beliefs Mill 18061873 Believed in individual rights and freedoms as well as free speech. Only limitation should be if one’s actions could harm another. How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism Individual rights and freedoms.

Thinkers Beliefs Bentham ►Utilitarian ►liberty, rights, and so on exist independent of government ►"the greatest happiness for the greatest number” How their ideas were radical at that time. How their ideas are related to Classical Liberalism ►Majority protection.

Thinkers Beliefs Ricardo The wages paid to workers should be determined by supply and demand for their skills. Government should not regulate this at all. How their ideas are were radical at that related to Classical time. Liberalism Self-interest, competition, and economic freedom.