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Liberalism: Then and Now
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Mary Wollstonecraft
English writer and philosopher who advocated for women's rights and education, thus contributing to the development of liberal feminism.
Natural Rights
Rights that individuals have under natural law, such as life, liberty, and property. This concept has profoundly influenced liberal constitutions and government structures worldwide.
Feminism
A series of movements that seek to define, establish, and achieve political, economic, personal, and social equality of sexes. Liberal feminism specifically emphasizes individuality and equal protection under the law.
Freedom of Speech
The right to express one's ideas and opinions freely through speech, writing, and other forms of communication without fear of censorship or retaliation. It's a cornerstone of liberal thought.
Democracy
A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives – a vital element of liberal governmental theory.
Separation of Powers
A principle often linked with liberalism that divides the government into different branches, each with separate and independent powers and areas of responsibility to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
Rule of Law
A principle in liberal philosophy that the law should govern a nation, as opposed to being governed by arbitrary decisions of individual government officials.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Genevan philosopher whose works on democracy and individual freedom contributed to liberal ideology. He is known for his belief that society corrupts natural goodness.
Adam Smith
Scottish economist and philosopher whose ideas on free markets and the 'invisible hand' guiding the economy have been foundational to economic liberalism.
Social Contract
A foundational concept in liberal philosophy that posits the legitimacy of the authority of the state over the individual arises from a contract or consent by the governed.
Utilitarianism
An ethical theory holding that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, typically defined as producing the greatest good for the greatest number. This has underpinned many liberal policies seeking to benefit the majority.
Free Market
An economic system based on supply and demand with little or no government control, which is a bedrock of economic liberalism. It underpins ideas of capitalism and is associated with the liberal advocacy for free trade and minimal regulation.
John Locke
English philosopher seen as the 'Father of Liberalism'. His theories on life, liberty, property, and consent of the governed influenced the development of social contract theory and classical liberalism.
Thomas Hobbes
English philosopher who influenced the social contract theory. Although Hobbes himself had a more authoritarian take, his ideas set the stage for more liberal thinkers by arguing for a foundation of government based on rationality and collective agreement.
John Stuart Mill
British philosopher and political economist who promoted individual liberty, freedom of speech, and the harm principle, greatly impacting liberal theory.
Liberty
A key liberal concept that emphasizes the freedom of the individual, typically from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's lifestyle, behavior, or political views.
Voltaire
French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher who advocated for freedom of speech, separation of church and state, and civil liberties, shaping liberal thought.
Progressivism
A political philosophy in support of social reform that emerged from the influences of liberal thought and as a response to societal problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption.
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