Origins:
- Found off enlightenment and a rejection in divine right of Kings and original sin.
Main Beliefs:
- Freedom is central to all
- Optimistic view of human nature
- Minimal role for the state so freedom is not restricted
- A tolerant society
Classical
Liberalism:
- Rational human nature but egotistical individualism, government by consent with a night-watchman state with free market capitalism
- Will ensure the individual is free but does not violate the harm principal.
Modern/Progressive
Liberalism:
- Belief in positive freedom to enable individuals to reach their full potential and their own version of the good life
- A big state with welfare which provides equality of opportunity to allow the individual to thrive. Based on the work of Keynes
- Legislation to end discrimination to promote tolerance and equality of opportunity
Neo-Liberalism:
- Belief in free market capitalism, night-watchman state.
- Private property and negative freedom is central to freedom and individualism
- Welfare state creating a dependency culture leading to people relying on the state rather than helping themselves