PO110 Study Guide - Mixed Economy, Classical Liberalism, Positive Liberty
Document Summary
We are not born equal in a substantive way. I"ll take care of the poor because i want to not because i am forced. Liberalism focuses on the ideal of individual liberty. In the perspective of liberalism, the common good is best achieved by allowing individuals to pursue their own interests, develop their own capabilities and morality, and act on their own values. Those with power are likely to use that power for their own interests. Thus, limiting power, protecting individual rights and freedoms, and establishing the rule of law are important means to achieve the objectives of liberalism. A peaceful and prosperous world can be developed through the promotion of tolerance, adherence to laws, and the facilitation of global interactions through free trade and the free interaction of ideas. For classical liberals, the free market, equal legal rights, and limited government ensure that individuals are not subject to the arbitrary and oppressive power of government and other institutions.
