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A* essay: To what extent have Modern Liberals abandoned the values of Classical Liberalism?
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A-level essay on the differences between Classical and Modern Liberalism. Receieved an A*.
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The liberal ideology emerged in the Englightenment period as a challenge to the traditional view ofthe church and monarchy as supreme authorities. Referred to as 'classical liberalism', this ideoogy
sees the individual as independent, autonomous, and of central importance; classical liberal ideas
about the state, economy, and society all stem from the central importance of induvidualism.
Modern liberalism emerged during the 19th century as liberals tried to reconcile classical ideas about
freedom-- which they accepted-- with the conditions of the working class during the industrial
revolution. Ultimately, classical and modern liberals hold similar values but take very different views
of how these should be put into practice.
Classical liberals favour the idea of 'egotistical individualism'. Egotistical individualism sees every
person as an independent actor who does not owe anything to anyone else, and can and should act
in their own self-interest. Classical liberals believe that everyone should have the freedom to act as
they please, provided they do not hurt anyone else by doing so-- this is the 'harm principle'
developed by John Stuart Mill. In contrast, modern liberals favour the idea of 'developmental
induvidualism'. Developmental individualism better recognises how individuals can be shaped by
people and circumstances. It is the belief that everyone is capable of change and growth, and that
the state and society should foster and encourage this ability. Whilst both subsets of liberals believe
that the rights of the individual are incredibly important, they focus on different aspects of the
individual, and as such come to different conclusions about how society should be run; for example,
modern liberals might favour state-funded education to give everyone a fair chance at education,
whilst a classical liberal might oppose this as they believe it deprives people of choice.
Liberals also disagree when it comes to the role of the state. Classical liberals are wary of the state
due to its ability to suppress the individual. Many believe in a 'night watchman' state which enforces
those laws necessary for society to function, but does not interfere beyond this. For example, an
early liberal, John Locke, believed that the primary function of the state should be to enforce
contracts made between individuals. In contrast, modern liberals believe the state can be a tool for
good. In contrast to classical liberals, who focus on negative freedoms (freedoms from restriction,
such as freedom of speech), modern liberals are more concerned with positive freedoms (the power
and opportunity to enact choices). Modern liberals believe that the state can enable positive
freedom, and correct oppressive conditions which lead to a lack of freedom. For example, Betty
Freidan believed the state could help protect women's rights, for example through
anti-discrimination laws. Again, classical and modern liberals have similar values-- the importance of
freedom-- but believe in very different means of enactment.
Finally, classical and modern liberals disagree when it comes to the economy. Classical liberals favour
free market capitalism as promoted by Adam Smith, as it allows individuals to participate in the
economy free of restricions. Equal and unrestricted participation in the market means that everyone
can act in their own self-interest to garner the rewards of their own work and talents. In contrast,
modern liberals such as John Rawls favour market democracy and limited wealth redistribution to
combat poverty. Modern liberals believe that someone living in poverty is not truly free, as they do
not have the options available to those with more wealth. As such, to ensure that everyone is free,
some redistribution via taxation is necessary. Whilst freedom is important to both classical and
modern liberals, they disagree over what it is and how it can be achieved.
Overall, modern liberals accept the values of classical liberals, but disagree with the methods
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