SWRK 2040 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Classical Liberalism, Egotism, Human Nature

• School: University of Windsor
• Department: Social Work
• Course: SWRK 2040
• Professor: Kelly Ann Spezowka

Document Summary

Instead of one unified theory of liberalism, there are multiple forms of liberalism. Has much in common with conservatism: freedom = freedom to compete in the free market economy (capitalism); promotes. Laissez faire capitalism as the ideal economic system: equality = equality of responsibility = everyone follows the same rules (laws) Inequality (in resources, wealth, etc. ) is a natural result of competition under capitalism and is a natural and accepted part of society. Reform liberalism is most commonly understood as liberalism today. Agrees with classical liberalism in that promotion of. Differs from classical liberalism in that: individual freedoms should be the priority of a society. Human nature is dual, in that, people are driven by: egotism (self-interest, altruism (concern for others) If people are provided with: equality of opportunity, freedom from unnecessary social intervention, then they can provide for themselves. Differs from conservatism in that society is viewed as being more than the sum of its parts.