The Development of Liberalism

Term Paper # 102406

Philosophy
Political Science > John Locke
Political Science > Political Theory

This paper discusses the development of liberalism as a political philosophy.

1,425 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2008 | United States

Published on: Mar 25, 2008

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that liberalism emerged as a political philosophy during the Enlightenment era in Europe and was espoused by political philosophers such as John Locke. The paper defines liberalism as a political ideology based upon representative government and individual rights. The paper explains that it emphasizes strong support for a broad interpretation of civil liberties, for freedom of expression, religious toleration, the separation of church and state and for widespread popular participation in the political process. The paper reveals that for three hundred years liberalism has attempted to establish itself as a transcendent political philosophy in opposition to autocratic and totalitarian political ideologies. The paper concludes that it may ultimately fall to the very ideology it replaced; autocratic theocracy.

From the Paper:

"Understanding liberalism is important because it has been a prevailing political philosophy in the Western world for more than two centuries. It is also important to emphasize that, "liberalism is not one simple, undifferentiated doctrine. As with other doctrines or ideologies, there are varieties of liberalism." (Sally) For example, "all liberals agree on the primacy of individual freedom and individual choice, which distinguishes liberalism from socialism and nationalism. But some liberals argue in favor of these core values by means of highly abstract reasoning." (Sally)"

Sample of Sources Used:

Friedman, Milton. Capitalism and Freedom. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1962.
Greaves, Richard L. Civilizations of the World: The Human Adventure. New York: Harper Collins, 1993.
"Locke and Representative Government: Civil Society and the State." Online: Available: http://www.fordham.edu/philo/mod/21692johnlocke-education.html. 9 March 2007.
Oldfield, Adrian. Citizenship and Community: Civic Republicanism and the Modern World. New York: Routledge, 1990.
Sally, Razeen. "What is Liberalism." Online. Available: http://www.lse.ac.uk/ clubs/hayek/Ama-gi/Volume1/number2/what_is_liberalism.htm. 9 March 2007.