Essay on Classical Liberal Theory - 1055 Words

Classical Liberal Theory Classical liberalism is a very interesting political theory. The underlying belief is that what makes a person human is freedom from the dependence on the will of others. It is complete freedom from any relations with others, except those entered voluntarily. Another main point of classical liberalism is that the individual is the owner of his person and his capacities, for which he owes nothing to society. The individual, although free, has no power to limit anyone elses freedom. Classical liberalism includes the following: an ethical emphasis on the individual as a rights-bearer prior to the existence of any state, community, or society, the support of the right of property carried to its economic†¦show more content†¦Equality leads to isolation of individuals. This is just what despotism requires. Equality places men side by side, unconnected by any common tie; despotism raises barriers to keep them asunder; the former predisposes them not to consider their fellow-creatur es, the latter makes general indifference a sort of public virtue. (Vol2, Book2, Chap4) As Tocqueville wrote, No sooner does a government attempt to go beyond its political sphere and to enter upon this new track, than it exercises, even unintentionally, an insupportable tyranny; for a government can only dictate strict rules, the opinions which it favors are rigidly enforced, and it is never easy to discriminate between its advice and its commands.(Vol2,book2,chap5) The principles which despotism produces are precisely those which equality fosters. These two things mutually complete and assist each other. Equality places men side by side, unconnected by any common tie; despotism raises barriers to keep them this way. Equality predisposes them not to consider their fellow-creatures, and despotism makes general indifference as far as society is concerned. The best way citizens can protect themselves from a despotic overthrow is to be aware of what is going on around them. They must not become so caught up in their individualism that they lose site of their neighbors. Tocqueville stated that it is getting involved in local affairs that bringShow MoreRelatedTo What Extent Does Modern Liberalism Depart from Classical Liberalism1624 Words   |  7 PagesThe classical liberal ideology emerged as a result of the Enlightenment period, which brought about new philosophies, challenging the existing assumptions about the nature of humankind and society. Modern liberalism developed around 1870 as a result of both philosophical and practical changes, including mass industrialisation. 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