Classical Liberalism

Term Paper # 100177

Philosophy
Political Science

An analysis of the history, development and threats to classical liberalism.

2,140 words () | 4 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses classical liberalism and the threats and challenges that it faces from other ideologies. It looks at the reasons that classical liberalism may be undermined to such a degree that some form of theocratic ideology replaces it. Additionally, the paper describes the history and development of classical liberalism and its influence in politics and society in general.

From the Paper:

"Analyzing these issues in the context of classical liberalism's survival in the twenty-first century reveals that liberal doctrines of individual rights and citizenship are always threatened because of fundamental flaws in human nature, especially self-interest and self-righteousness. Most social, political, economic, and religious actions people engage in are self-serving. They rationalize this, and persuade themselves and others that they are acting in the best interests of society, but this is little more than self-delusion."
"Fortunately, classical liberalism has survived the tensions and challenges imposed by other ideologies, for as Churchill observed, despite its flaws and the flaws of its citizens, liberal societies are like a life raft. The raft may leak constantly, may be rocked by rough waters, and may be navigated by unscrupulous captains, but it rarely sinks because the bonds that hold it together are stronger than the currents pulling it apart."

Sample of Sources Used:

Barry, Brian. Why Social Justice Matters. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005.
Friedman, Milton. Capitalism and Freedom. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1962.
Mansbridge, Jane. "Feminism and Democracy." The American Prospect, March 1990. Online. Available: http://www.prospect.org/web/printfriendly-view.ww?id=5339. 5 November 2006.
Oakeshott, Michael. Rationalism in Politics. London: Mithuen, 1962.