Liberalism

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Marie Eléonore Godefroid - Portrait of Mme de Staël

Roche - Portrait de Benjamin Constant (1767-1830), écrivain et homme politique - P1679 - Musée Carnavalet

T.H. Green

Liberalescoruneses

Keynes 1933

Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy based on liberty, consent of the governed, and equality before the law. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but they generally support free markets, free speech, civil rights, and secularism. Liberalism became a distinct movement in the Age of Enlightenment, when it became popular among Western philosophers and economists. Liberalism sought to replace the norms of hereditary privilege, state religion, absolute monarchy, and the Divine Right of Kings with representative democracy and the rule of law.

History

Liberalism has its roots in the Renaissance and the Reformation, with the spread of the idea that individuals had certain inalienable rights. The political theories of John Locke provided a foundation for liberal political thought; he argued that the role of the government was to protect the natural rights of its citizens, including life, liberty, and property. The American Revolution and the French Revolution carried forward liberal ideas of freedom and equality into the modern era.

Principles

Liberty

At the heart of liberalism is the value of liberty. Liberals argue that individuals should be free to make their own choices, so long as they do not harm others. This includes freedoms of speech, religion, and association.

Equality

Liberals also value equality before the law. This principle asserts that all individuals, regardless of wealth, heritage, or social status, should have equal rights and opportunities.

Democracy

Liberalism supports democracy as a means to achieve political legitimacy. The consent of the governed is a key principle, with policies and leaders chosen through free and fair elections.

Economic Liberalism

Economic liberalism is the belief in the importance of a free market and minimal government intervention in the economy. This branch of liberalism advocates for private property rights, free trade, and freedom of contract, arguing that they lead to the most efficient and beneficial outcomes for society.

Social Liberalism

Social liberalism is a development within liberalism that argues in favor of government intervention to correct economic and social inequalities. It supports a welfare state and believes in the role of government in ensuring no citizen is in want of basic needs, such as education and healthcare.

Criticism

Liberalism has faced criticism from various quarters. Conservatives argue that too much emphasis on individual freedom can lead to social fragmentation. Socialists contend that liberalism's focus on individual rights overlooks the importance of social welfare and economic equality. Furthermore, some critics argue that liberalism's principles are not universally applicable and may ignore cultural and historical contexts.

Global Influence

The influence of liberalism can be seen worldwide, shaping political and economic policies in numerous countries. It has been a driving force behind the push for human rights, democracy, and free trade across the globe.

See Also

• Democracy
• Free market
• Civil rights
• Secularism
• Age of Enlightenment
• John Locke