Liberal Ideology and Classical Liberalism - Essay Example

Liberal Ideology and ical Liberalism These days there is a lot of talk that the Western world has reached the peak of Modern Liberalism and istruly practicing and reaping its benefits to the fullest extent. Simultaneously, it makes us wonder if such is the case in reality as well. With the news of rising unemployment, crunching economies, bailouts, huge stimulus packages, rising prices of fuel and commodities and decreased standards of living, we are forced to wonder what kind of liberalism are we following or have been following in the past that has brought about such undesirable results? The purpose and aim of writing this paper is to examine and understand, to some extent, the concept of Liberalism as a whole and then the parallels and differences between Modern Liberalism and Classical Liberalism. Before shedding any light on the topic and discussing it, we must first define the terms of liberalism associated with this essay. Liberalism as a whole can be defined, as “ believing in the inherent and essential goodness of humans, a political philosophy based on affirmation, protection and right to exercise with freedom and autonomy; the political ,economic and social views in a society by an individual” (Merriam - Webster). The ideology of liberalism is based on the freedom of all important individual with strong belief that the individual, for the betterment of the society will act with reason, exercising tolerance and imparting justice (Analyze the similarities and differences between Classical and Modern Liberalism Pg1). Classical Liberalism may be defined, as “a political philosophy laying strong emphasis on individual rights with minimal government intervention” (Urban Dictionary). It also advocates for free trade economy, open borders and segregation of roles of the state and church. Classical Liberalism also favors government dis-involvement and non-intervention in property or business rights, social matters and choice of association based on the notion that individuals have rights in addition to the rights granted to them by the state. Whereas, the definition of Modern Liberalism would be,” the positive and increased role of the state or the regulatory authority to protect the rights of an individual, thus advocating equality, justice, fair play and positive freedom in a welfare society”(J.M. Keynes). The state intervention allows fair distribution of resources, rewards and punishments and equality in a society. Despite the fact that Classical Liberalism and Modern Liberalism are two entirely different political concepts, the two have some parallels amongst them. Although there is rigorous competition between the two, bringing to light some clear differences, there is a visible overlap when considering the basis of ideology of liberalism. There are some parallel key concepts regarding this theory. First of all, both branches stress upon the importance and necessity of state to monitor and regularize affairs of a society. Both consider that without the existence of a state, rights of individuals in a society will not be protected. A state is needed so that individual rights are not trampled upon by others through stealing. The presence and intervention of a state provides a leveled playground to all with the state acting as referee ensuring that all players are guaranteed fair play, and equal opportunity in a healthy and positive competitive environment. The state acts as a restraining power to the egos of individuals so that the social contract among individuals is honored. Lack of established authority in a society might result in indulgence in destructive unrestrained freedom. The state is given the rights and powers of intervention through constitution and democracy (Jess Atkins 2013). Another key aspect that both viewpoints share is the importance of individual. They commonly stress upon rights, safety, well being and guidance of an individual in a society. Natural rights of an individual form the core of both political stances. Both have come to an agreement through pragmatism, allowing the intervention of market forces or state when it is deemed absolutely necessary. Classical Liberalism and Modern Liberalism both advocate for the basic civil liberties. They both are in favor of democracy and believe that democracy brought about by people is essential for the overall well being of a society. Both are against complete, raw and absolute authority and totalitarianism in order to safeguard and grant equal protection, opportunity, rewards and justice to all (American Debate 2007). Classical Liberalism and Modern Liberalism have many differences even though Modern Liberalism thrives upon many of the ideas of Classical Liberalism. The most blaring difference is the rights of an individual. Classical Liberalism stresses on the natural rights, their absolute protection and freedom of pursuing aims without any interference or disturbance. On the other hand Modern Liberalism extends upon this idea within reason, to rights of individuals to pursue economic goals. It urges that every man, remaining within the parameters of law and justice is free to pursue his aims in any way that he likes (Smith 466). Modern Liberalism while taking a stance against Classical Liberalism states that minimal role of government does not guarantee equality; rather it is a source of generating inequality in a society. The focus is on realization and actualization of one’s qualities and pursuing goals while refraining from attempting to deprive others (Heywood 55).Classical Liberalism believes in free market with players depending on self reliance, thrive without state intervention while Modern Liberalism advocates for a welfare state which reduces unemployment and poverty at the same time providing justice, opportunity, education and medical care. Government intervention ensures that the workers are not exploited, are getting proper wages, benefits and safe environment. Classical Liberalism concerns itself with the resources of the state and individuals while Modern Liberalism focuses on how the resources are generated and allocated. As opposed to Classical Liberalism, Modern Liberalism introduced social activism in all streams of life. A strong state with effective intervention ensures that any individual who is a victim of injustice, weak economy, unemployment, inequality and is unable to gain a respectable status in society is provided support and opportunities to get out of destitution and deprivation to lead a comfortable and respectable life. References Liberalism - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary. 2013. Liberalism - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liberalism. [Accessed 03 October 2013]. . 2013. . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/commandingheights/shared/pdf/ess_keynesiantheory.pdf. [Accessed 03 October 2013]. Get A-Level Analyse the similarities and differences between Classical and Modern Liberalism Coursework and Essays Help from Marked By Teachers.com. 2013. Get A-Level Analyse the similarities and differences between Classical and Modern Liberalism Coursework and Essays Help from Marked By Teachers.com. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.markedbyteachers.com/as-and-a-level/politics/analyse-the-similarities-and-differences-between-classical-and-modern-liberalism.html. [Accessed 03 October 2013]. Urban Dictionary: classical liberalism. 2013. Urban Dictionary: classical liberalism. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=classical%20liberalism. [Accessed 03 October 2013]. Liberalism - America's Debate. 2013. Liberalism - America's Debate. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.americasdebate.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15541. [Accessed 03 October 2013]. Smith, Adam, and William Robert Scott. 1925. An inquiry into the nature and causes of the wealth of nations. London: G. Bell and Sons. Heywood, Andrew. Political Ideologies An Introduction. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, Read More