introduction to liberalism

What is the liberal view of freedom?

Individuals have a fundamental right to personal freedom.

However,

Liberals accept that liberty entails responsibility.

At its minimum, this implies that the actions of an individual should not harm others or limit the individual’s own freedom.

Liberals support the existence of the state and its laws to enforce this kind of responsibility.

What are liberal views of the state?

The liberal state must be formed by popular consent.

It must be accountable to the people.

This is to ensure it does not curtail freedom without justification.

The liberal state should be limited in scope.

The state should only act in such a way as to advance freedom and opportunity.

What are liberal views of equality?

Liberals demonstrate attachments to equal rights for all groups, tolerance, diversity and equality of opportunity.

They have also taken on board the idea of social justice, accepting all people are naturally unequal but insisting that all should have equality of opportunity.