Quick Reminder — Liberalism

One drawback to my formal education is that I never had a class in government. I don’t recall a civics class nor one in European history.

I am self taught — which means there are gaps in my knowledge. Today’s review topic is liberalism.

From Wikipedia:

Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy based on the rights of the individual, liberty, and government by the consent of the governed. While the core principles are consistent, the interpretation of liberalism has changed significantly over time, especially with the modern distinction between classical and social liberalism.

Core principles

Despite its internal variations, liberalism is rooted in a few fundamental concepts:

Individualism: Affirms the moral primacy of the human being against the pressures of social collectivism.

Individual rights: Emphasizes civil liberties and human rights, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.

Equality: Believes in equality of opportunity and equal moral worth and status for all individuals, regardless of social standing, race, or gender.

Limited constitutional government: Asserts that legitimate government authority comes from the consent of the governed and must be limited by law to prevent tyranny.

Rule of law: Guarantees that everyone, including government officials, is accountable to the law and is entitled to fair and impartial treatment.

Economic freedom: Advocates for the right to private property and supports market economies, though the extent of government intervention in the economy is a point of divergence between different forms of liberalism.

Major branches of liberalism

Classical liberalism

Historical context: This early form of liberalism emerged during the Age of Enlightenment and was championed by thinkers like John Locke and Adam Smith.

Key ideas: Classical liberals regarded the state as the primary threat to individual freedom. They advocate for:

Laissez-faire and free-market economics.

Minimal government intervention, limited primarily to protecting life, liberty, and property.

Modern interpretation: In the modern American context, classical liberal ideas about economic freedom are often found in modern conservatism and libertarianism.

Social liberalism

Historical context: Also known as "modern liberalism," this variant emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the social problems created by industrial capitalism.

Key ideas: Social liberals believe that individual liberty can also be threatened by private actors, such as corporations, and by social conditions like poverty and lack of education. They advocate for a more active role for the government to ensure equal opportunities and address social inequities, including:

Regulation of the economy.

Provision of social services like education, healthcare, and welfare.

Expansion of civil rights for marginalized groups.

Liberalism in a modern context

Global influence: Liberal democracy is currently the dominant political ideology in most of the world's major powers, with core liberal principles underpinning the institutions of many modern societies.

American politics: In the United States, the term "liberalism" almost exclusively refers to modern or social liberalism. American liberalism is associated with the Democratic Party, while elements of classical liberalism are key to modern American conservatism.

Contemporary issues: In the 21st century, modern liberals in the US advocate for government action on issues such as economic inequality, environmental protection, LGBT rights, and reproductive rights.

Current debates: Recent analyses highlight challenges and anxieties within liberalism, including pessimism about the future and critiques from both the political left and right.

Criticisms of liberalism

Liberalism has faced criticism throughout its history from multiple perspectives.

From the right: Cultural traditionalists on the right argue that liberalism's focus on individualism erodes traditional social bonds, communities, and moral values.

From the left: Some on the left contend that liberalism has become a justification for global capitalism, which they argue prioritizes corporate interests over the well-being of ordinary citizens and perpetuates economic inequality.