Liberalism and Natural Rights Essay

Submitted By swright92
Words: 702
Pages: 3

John Locke: known as father of classical economic (classical) liberalism, roots in 17th century. Believed people are created to be equal and should have natural rights, life, liberty, and property. Believed govt should be limited, and the individual should be self determined.

2. Adam Smith: classical liberalist. Believed humans are natural and free, and it is in human nature to make (produce) things. The market system was viewed as a machine to him, and believed the system was driven by self-interest. Govt should be limited in the sense that it does not try to control the economic systemJohn Locke: known as father of classical economic (classical) liberalism, roots in 17th century. Believed people are created to be equal and should have natural rights, life, liberty, and property. Believed govt should be limited, and the individual should be self determined.

2. Adam Smith: classical liberalist. Believed humans are natural and free, and it is in human nature to make (produce) things. The market system was viewed as a machine to him, and believed the system was driven by self-interest. Govt should be limited in the sense that it does not try to control the economic system.

3. T.H. Green: modern liberalist. Believed in interventionist government and expansive liberty. One is not free or expressing their liberty unless they are living up to their potential (quality of life) Government should regulate economic and social interaction. Freedom to him is more broad and narrow (people being able to provide a creative contribution to society.)

4. Edmund Burke: conservatism. Believed in keeping things the same. What’s trustworthy is tradition (conserving tradition, authority, and moral values) (ex. Class system in Britain). Believed the focus should be on obligations, not rights. Gov’t should provide order and treat people differently in order to satisfy their needs. (Society acts irrationally and emotionally therefore are incapable of using reason alone to run their own lives smoothly.)(This opposes what classic liberals believe) (Some are more capable of ruling then others are therefore society functions best when the natural rules are in charge.) It would be an error any other way. Natural rights should not be the basis in which government operates.) “undue pressure on society” by making them feel that basic rights are basic assurances. Government should take care of human needs as opposed to protecting natural rights. (Morality over freedom)

5. Karl Marx: communism. Believed in capitalist society. Believed the only way to bring lasting change was through violence and fear. (revolutionary violence). Believed the problem began in the middle ages. There will always be class conflict which will inevitably bring revolution of proletariat. (they kill who is in charge, then become ones in power)

6. Comparative Politics: the study of how the government, political groups, procedures, and citizenship vary across countries or time period. United