LIBERALISM
Individual • Freedom • Rights • Limited Government
1️⃣ WHAT IS LIBERALISM?
Liberalism is a political ideology that places the individual at the center of political life.
Core belief: The individual is more important than the state.
- Individual liberty
- Limited government
- Rule of law
- Equality before law
- Protection of rights
2️⃣ ORIGIN OF LIBERALISM
- European Enlightenment (17th–18th century)
- Scientific revolution
- Industrial revolution
- Rise of capitalism
- Opposition to absolute monarchy
Liberalism emerged as a challenge to feudalism and religious authority.
3️⃣ CORE PRINCIPLES
🟢 (A) Individualism
Society exists for individuals, not vice versa.
🟢 (B) Liberty
Freedom from unnecessary interference.
🟢 (C) Equality
Equality before law, not economic equality.
🟢 (D) Limited Government
State power must be restricted.
🟢 (E) Rule of Law
Government is bound by law.
4️⃣ TYPES OF LIBERALISM
🔹 Classical Liberalism
- Minimal state
- Free market
- Negative liberty
- Thinkers: John Locke, Adam Smith
🔹 Modern (Welfare) Liberalism
- State intervention for social justice
- Positive liberty
- Thinkers: T.H. Green, Laski, Keynes
5️⃣ IMPORTANT THINKERS
🟣 John Locke
Natural rights: Life, Liberty, Property.
🟣 J.S. Mill
Harm principle – liberty until it harms others.
🟣 T.H. Green
Positive liberty – freedom to develop potential.
🟣 Rawls
Justice as fairness (liberal egalitarianism).
6️⃣ LIBERALISM VS OTHER IDEOLOGIES
- Vs Marxism → Individual vs Class
- Vs Conservatism → Change vs Tradition
- Vs Communitarianism → Individual vs Community
7️⃣ CRITICISMS
- Too individualistic
- Ignores social inequality
- Encourages capitalism
- Weak on community values
📝 UPSC MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss the evolution from classical to modern liberalism.
- Is liberalism compatible with democracy?
- Critically evaluate Rawls' liberal theory of justice.
- Compare negative and positive liberty.
📌 QUICK REVISION MAP
- Core: Individual first
- Classical → Minimal state
- Modern → Welfare state
- Locke → Natural rights
- Mill → Harm principle
- Green → Positive liberty
- Rawls → Justice as fairness
Liberalism protects freedom — But debates continue about equality and justice.
No comments:
Post a Comment