SDS131R Lecture Notes - Classical Liberalism, Scientific Revolution, Labour Power
Document Summary
To start, in order to understand classical liberalism, we must be aware of the three developments that transformed european society and lead to this political ideology. Following the scientific revolution is the reformation (otherwise known as the protestant reformation), where martin luther challenged the power of the church, leading to their fragmentation and loss of power. Classical liberalism is a response against the three developments mentioned above, and in turn, promotes democracy, human rights, and economic freedom. There are three key people that represent classical liberalism. John locke believes that without common laws, people will still live harmoniously because of god (meaning that they do not harm one another). However, without common laws, it will be easy for the state of nature to slip into the state of war. Therefore the best way to live is to voluntarily enter the social contract in order to avoid the state of war.