An_Essay_on_Liberalism_and_Conservatism

The key differences between classical liberalism and contemporary liberalism are its views on the role of the government. As already stated, classical liberals have a negative view of the government. Classical liberals believe government must be limited or else it might become too powerful and oppressive against the members of society. Contemporary liberals, however, believe that government can protect financially disadvantaged individuals from powerful members of society. Contemporary liberals believe that powerful members of society use their property against the financially disadvantaged so they believe property, or material wealth should shared. Consequentially, contemporary liberals believe that the government is a friend, not an enemy of the individual and can be used to maximize freedom rather than oppress it (Baradat, 2009). Numerous thinkers have impacted Liberal thought. Amongst them was Immanuel Kant, who was known for his moral and ethical values. In his essay, What Is Enlightenment, Immanuel Kant suggests that freedom is more than an absence of physical constraints, but rather a capacity to make rational choices in an ethical manner. Kant’s ethical views have inspired an “idealistic tradition” in liberal thought with aims of a better future for all of mankind (Curtis, 2008). Another prominent thinker whose work was fundamental to the development of liberalism was John Stuart Mill. His essay On Liberty provided a defense for individual freedom. J.S. Mill suggested that individual freedom may only be restricted if that freedom was used to harm other individuals. Moreover, his collaborative effort with his wife on The Subjection of Women, proved to be a subtle contribution to liberal thought as well in which he and his wife assert that women should share the same rights and liberties men do (Curtis, 2008). Other prominent thinkers who are considered to be influential to liberal thought are John Locke who was mentionedpreviously, and Thomas Hobbes. Thomas Hobbes was a supporter of an absolutist government as an alternative to disorder. He believed that limiting the power of the government could prove harmful to the state and could plunge society into a “state of nature”. His work in Leviathan had major impacts of both liberal and conservative thought (Baradat, 2009). In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the increasing rate of economic and political change resulted in the emergence of conservative philosophy. However, since it’s emergence, conservatism has had ideological divisions. In Europe with the exception of the United Kingdom, a form of conservatism developed that basically rejected any kind of reform. Yet, in the United States, conservatism accepted the idea of gradual change and ‘change in order r to conserve’. The most prominent themes of conservative thought are that society is comprised of moral individuals that share each other’s values and beliefs. Conservatives, like classical liberals, advocate a strong government but remain cautious of absolutism. In addition, conservatives advocate a strict enforcement of law and order (Baradat, 2009). Unlike liberal, conservatives are the most supportive of the status quo and prefer to not see it changed. This does not mean that conservatives are content with the existing system, but rather not change it because they believe it’s best conceivable existence (Baradat, 2009). Another key figure in conservatism was Michael Oakeshott. He emphasized traditionalism with conservative thought. He suggested that conservatives favor traditional values and established customs. Best said in his own words, “to be conservative, then, is to prefer the familiar to the unknown, to prefer the tried to the untried, fact to misery, the actual to the possible” (Oakeshott, 1956). Liberal and conservative ideologies are both heavily influenced by thinkers who were simply reacting to the times in which they lived. John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Edmund Burke’s philosophies have all played a role in the development of the political, economic, and social movement of liberalism and conservatism. Liberals are in favor of more centralized government, more government spending, higher taxes, regulation of the economy, civil rights, a willingness to reject tradition, more critical of private property, and maintains a collective identity and responsibility. Conservatives, on the other hand, are in favor of a less decentralized government, less government spending, less taxes, more economic freedom, civil liberties, patriotism, supportive of private property, and a willingness to embrace traditional values. Bibliography Baradat, L.P. (2009). Political ideologies: their origins and impact. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Curtis, M. (2008). The Great political theories: from the french revolution to the modern times. New York, NY: Harper Perennial. Mill, J.S. (1869). The Subjection of women. Retrieved from http://www.constitution.org/jsm/women.htm Oakeshott, M. (1956). On being conservative. What are some significant difference between Classical Liberalism (Locke, Smith) and Modern Liberalism (James Mill, John Stuart Mill, 20th Century Liberals)' The most significant difference between classical liberalism and modern liberalism is the role in which the government plays in society. Classical liberals advocate limited government, free market principles, capitalist society, individual property rights, and industry free from government intervention. Modern liberals are less fearful of the government and believe the government can promote the general good through government intervention, welfare programs, and common property. The Glorious Revolution had an impact the views of John Locke, which in turned influenced the philosophies of classical liberalism. The key aspects of classical liberalism are individualism and limited government. In other words, individuals have inalienable rights, such as right to property, which are to be, protect by a ‘limited government’. Locke believed that individuals had the right life, liberty, property, and health. Those liberties also include the freedom of conduct, thought, religion, conscience, and expression. Adam Smith is considered the father of “classical” economics. Like Locke, and other classical liberals, Smith advocated a limited government, which provided individuals with the opportunity to pursuit wealth and accumulate property. Moreover, Smith had laissez faire view of liberalism; meaning he advocated against government intervention in the economy. Unlike Locke and Smith, John Stuart Mill and other 20th century liberals believed in government could be a positive force in society that can create policies that reduce pain and increase pleasure. Modern liberals believe in collective, or common property, and government policies to aid the weak and poor. Why and how is Conservatism a response to Liberalism' How does Conservatism expose the excesses of Liberalism' Conservatism is a response to radical change. It advocates a limited government guided by traditions that is opposed to the excessive potential of liberalism and ideas of the Enlightenment. Edmund Burke criticism of the French Revolution is a perfect example of conservatism exposes the excesses of liberalism. Burke believed that an obsession with progress had swept France, which he perceived a threat to civic order and security. Conservative principles demonstrate the problems of Liberalism with regards to the basis of equality. Conservatism points out that not all individuals are equality and if equality were to be enforced, it would be a violation of rights as an individual. Conservatism is a response to liberalism because it demonstrates that it can establish order and create stability with out having to disrupt society and civic order. Conservatism can create change just like liberalism and seeks to adjust the existing order by avoiding disruptions to observed customs and order. Ultimately, conservatism seeks to slow down radical changes created or implementable by liberalism. Conservatism does not oppose change, but rather prefer a more reliable alternative that maintains society intact without threatening civic order. Furthermore, conservatism is a response to the potential outcome of liberalism such as absolutist government, which has the potential to create more harm to society than good. Conservatism also demonstrates the liberal movement of change proves to be too unstable and provides no definitive outcome which in turns sets up the possibility of disorder.