Liberalism

Liberalism is the leading ideology of the modern era. During the nineteenth century it became associated with the principles of individualism, liberty, limited government, progress, and equality. At its core is a conception of society and human nature based on beliefs in the moral primacy of the individual; the equal moral worth of every individual regardless of class, nation, gender, or race; and the possibility of improving social conditions and reforming political institutions. Many liberal ideals have not been achieved in practice, but they have acted as a standard by which political regimes are judged. A belief in progress associated liberals with capitalism, rationalism, science, and secularism. As a political doctrine liberalism argues for the rule of law and limited government. As an economic doctrine it argues for economic freedom, but accepts a role for government, and much dispute within liberalism has been over where the line should be drawn. As a cultural doctrine liberalism is associated with tolerance of behavior and beliefs so long as they do not harm others. The emphasis upon the individual and upon reason continues to define liberalism, even if contemporary liberals manage to draw very different, and sometimes diametrically opposed, conclusions from these principles

Classical liberalism · Doctrine · Economic liberalism · Ideology · Individualism · Law and economics · Liberalism · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Secularism · Sociology · American Constitutional Law and Politics · Law

• The rise and decline of western liberalism

  Anthony Arblaster•The rise and decline of western…•1984

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• Liberalism and Modern Society

  Desmond King, R Bellamy•The Philosophical Quarterly•1993

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• Liberal languages

  Michael Freeden•Liberal languages•2005

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