The traditions of Liberalism
Each tradition answers the same spec questions differently. Learn the split and you can compare them in an essay.
Classical Liberalism
Locke, Mill, Wollstonecraft
- Egoistical individualism, rational, self-interested, self-reliant; negative freedom
Modern Liberalism
Rawls, Friedan, Mill (later)
- Developmental individualism, rational and capable but in need of help to flourish; positive freedom
Side by side
The four core spec areas across every tradition.
| Theme | Classical | Modern |
|---|---|---|
| Human Nature | Egoistical individualism, rational, self-interested, self-reliant; negative freedom | Developmental individualism, rational and capable but in need of help to flourish; positive freedom |
| The State | Necessary evil, minimal night-watchman state, social contract, harm principle | Enabling state, positive freedom, welfare and intervention as guarantors of liberty |
| The Economy | Laissez-faire free market, invisible hand, private property, minimal state in the economy | Keynesian regulated capitalism, welfare state, state action to deliver real equality of opportunity |
| Society | Atomistic individuals, foundational and formal equality, meritocracy, tolerance | Substantive equality of opportunity, enabling society, anti-discrimination, wider democracy |