Download 011. Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8
Contemporary
Challenges to
Liberalism
Classical Liberalism
effects
Modern Liberalism
Involves no government interference
(hands off).
Propose that the sole function of
government is to protect individuals
natural rights to life, liberty and
property.
Emphasizes economic liberalism and
promotes the freedom of the
entrepreneur
Contributed to the great depression
Contributed to the wealth gap
between the more developed world
and the rest of the world, thus leading
to such things as political instability
and hyper consumerism
Contributed to the development of
counter-ideologies such as communism
and fascism and the expansion and
revision of liberal ideas.
Involves significant government
intervention ( Keynesian Economics and
demand side economics)
Proposes that all individuals be valued
equally
Proposes the development of programs to
help the disadvantaged individuals
Promotes initiatives to share the benefits
of development and to develop wisely.
HAYEK’S POINT OF VIEW
 It appears only lukewarm in its support of pure laissez-faire capitalism, with
Hayek even going so far as to say that "probably nothing has done so much
harm to the liberal cause as the wooden insistence of some liberals on certain
rules of thumb, above all of the principle of laissez-faire capitalism". In the book,
Hayek writes that the government has a role to play in the economy through the
monetary system, work-hours regulation, and institutions for the flow of proper
information.
VOICES P.275
Is Hayek’s point of view closer to classical liberalism or modern
liberalism?
CLASSICAL LIBERALISM AND NEGATIVE
FREEDOMS
Freedom from tyranny, freedom from fear,
freedom from hunger and freedom of
discrimination.
Modern Liberalism
Positive freedoms
Example: freedom of
expression
Classical Liberalism
Negative freedoms
Example: freedom
from persecution for
following a chosen
faith.
Classical Liberal
Modern (Contemporary) Liberal
Laissez-faire government
Governments should act to protect
Individual rights and freedoms and property
Economic freedom
Equality of opportunity
Hands-on role for government
Government should establish programs to help
Disadvantaged individuals
Redistribution of wealth
Equality of income
Classical Liberal ( negative freedom)
Modern Liberal ( Positive Freedoms)
Freedom from want, freedom from prejudice
Freedom from religious persecution
Freedom from discrimination
Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and
expression
Freedom of the press
Freedom of conscience and religion.
CHALLENGES TO LIBERALISM
Questions to consider:
How much do we want or need the government to be involved in our lives?
How much freedom are we willing to give up in exchange for security?
Why did classical liberalism evolve into modern liberalism?
How have new ideas contributed to or challenged modern liberalism?
CLASSICAL LIBERALISM REVIEW
Originated in the Enlightenment
Writings of Locke : people have certain natural and inalienable rights
Society should be a community of political equals, all of whom respect the rights of
one another
Cornerstone of modern Democracy
These ideas were rejected by Fascism and Communism
UNITED NATIONS
Classical Liberals would oppose this declaration as the rights described in it require
intervention in the form of government programs.
Government intervention would upset the laws of the marketplace.
THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Protecting rights of workers required government
intervention.
As workers obtained the right to vote they would support
political parties that reflected their concerns
MODERN LIBERALISM INTERPRETATION
Supports equality of income and opportunity
Universal health care ensures a common standard of care
Providing greater equality of circumstances
LIBERALISM EVOLVES
HOW IS MODERN LIBERALISM CHALLENGED BY ALTERNATIVE THOUGHT?
Environmentalism is a broad philosophy and social movement centered
on a concern for the conservation and improvement of the environment.
Carbon Tax
 A carbon tax is an environmental tax on emissions of carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide is a heat-trapping "greenhouse" gas. The purpose of
a carbon tax is to protect the environment by reducing emissions of
carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change.
PAUSE AND REFLECT P.283
To what extent should the Canadian government implement policies based on citizens’
concerns about the environment?
NEO-CONSERVATISM
Neo conservatism is a political philosophy
Supports using American economic and military power to bring
liberalism, democracy, and human rights to other countries.
NEO-CONSERVATISM
Favour a return to Classical Liberalism
Were against “affirmative action” : this policy went against the American ideals
of equality and their strong belief in Individualism.
1960’s and 1970’s was a period of détente : diplomacy the neo cons saw this
as a weak foreign policy goal.
1980’ Reagan and Thatcher encouraged a foreign policy goal of a military
build up to fight communism around the world.
When the Berlin wall came down in 1989 the Neo cons felt that they had won.
During the 1990’s George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton cut military spending.
NEO-CONSERVATIVES
After 911 the neo cons policy of promoting democracy and challenging
governments that were hostile to the USA was again adopted by the White
House
Economic Policy
Lower taxes in a free market economy
Classical Liberalism: decreases government intervention and focuses on
individualism
WTO and the IMF: promote free trade and reducing tariffs
Milton Friedman opposed government programs such as public education and
public health care.
Neoconservatives generally advocate a free-market economy
with minimum taxation and government economic regulation;
strict limits on government-provided social-welfare programs;
and a strong military supported by large defense budgets.
Neoconservatives also believe that government policy should
respect the importance of traditional institutions such as religion
and the family.
Unlike most conservatives of earlier generations,
neoconservatives maintain that the United States should take
an active role in world affairs, though they are generally
suspicious of international institutions, such as the United
Nations and the World Court, whose authority could intrude
upon American sovereignty or limit the country's freedom to act
in its own interests.
NEO-CONSERVATIVES
Role of government: not comfortable with the large amount of services by
modern governments.
Establishment of private schools ( 23% in the USA and 4% in Alberta
Free-market economy ( individualism not Collectivism)
Foreign Policy:
 Patriotism and a strong military
 Invasion of Iraq in 2003
NEO-CONSERVATISM AND MORALITY
Traditional views about social issues
Influenced by the Christian right
Curtail abortion, allow prayer in school
STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS, 2002
Voices p. 287
What ideas from this speech reflect neo-conservative ideas related to
foreign policy?




USA has interests that extends beyond its borders
Democratic capitalism is preferable
Patriotism is good
Increase spending on the military can be justified by classical liberalists because you are
protecting freedom.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND THE LAW
Modern liberals support the freedom of religion and that all individuals must be
treated equally.
May support a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion, live common law.
Favor equal rights for people of all sexual orientation
ABORIGINAL COLLECTIVE THOUGHT
Decisions are made using consensus instead of debating and voting Consensus
model every individual voice must be heard
A central principle of modern liberalism is to share the benefits of
development and to develop wisely.
Free of party politics
Movement towards health centre's run by First Nations regardless of the type
of medicine used
A health system that is autonomous from the Federal government
Interpretation of the Past
Vision of the future
Beliefs about
Human Nature
Beliefs about the structure of
Society
Level of Support
Impact on Liberalism
Environmentalism
Support for scientism led to
unforeseeable problems.
Can accept progress as
long as the impact on the
environment is
considered.
Environmentalists
believe that we are
responsible for caring
for the environment
and have an innate
ability to do so.
All living things should be
considered in the structure of
society.
The perspective of political
voices such as environmental
lobby groups and the Green
Party embrace a social structure
that respects environmental
issues and concerns.
Green political parties
have gained increasing
support green
legislation is common
Questions the belief that all
progress is positive
Neo-Conservatism
“The state of humanity as
never been better…” pg 281
Policy went against many
Americans’ ideals of equality
and their strong belief in
individuals” pg 284
Détente reflects weak foreign
policy.
Minimal government
interference.
When given freedom
from government
restrictions, the human
sprit is capable of
great feats.
Individualism favoured over
collectivism
Republicans in U.S.A
reflect neo-conservative
ideology.
Conservatives in
Canada have some neoconservative policies
Counters the idea that progress is
more important than tradition.
Religious Perspectives
A wide range of perspectives
are possible, due to the wide
range of religious belief.
A wide range of
perspectives are
possible, due to the wide
range of religious belief.
A wide range of
perspectives are
possible, due to the
wide range of
religious belief.
A wide range of perspectives
are possible, due to the wide
range of religious belief.
Religion plays an
important role in the
lives of many Americans.
It is less significant in
Canada
Challenges the faith in humanistic
polices and in some cases focuses
on integrating church and state.
Aboriginal Perspectives
The traditions of the past play
a central role in the lives and
culture of First Nations, Métis,
and Inuit.
The future depends
greatly on the present.
The role of stewardship
of the land and elders
sharing their wisdom
and knowledge with the
younger generations are
crucial.
Humans work cooperatively to ensure
peaceful coexistence
according to Creator.
Co-operative, collective decision
making using consensus mode.
A growing number of
First Nations, Métis, and
Inuit are feeling
empowered to take
action
Challenges the idea of progress
related to liberalism.
Land ownership challenges the
rights of the individual.
Political practices challenge the
idea of voting for majority rule.
Countries have interests
beyond their borders
and need strong military
forces.
COMMUNICATION : ANALYZING POINTS OF VIEW AND PERSPECTIVES TO FORM AN OPINION P.298
Quotation
Summary
Classical or modern
Liberalism (or both)
1
Criticism of liberalism
Classical liberalism
2
A cynical comment on modern liberalist and classical liberalism
Elements of both
3
A positive interpretation of modern liberalism
Modern liberalism
4
A positive reflection on classical and some modern conservatism
Classical liberalism
5
A satirical statement about modern liberalism and classical liberalism
Elements of both
6
A targeted point of view that judges the merits of both liberals and conservatives along the
continuum of liberalism(both exist within the context of a liberal democratic system); satirical
statement about modern liberalism.
Elements of both
News Articles
• Just what is a carbon tax?
• The blueprint for Forward Base America
• Bountiful sect members face polygamy,
child-related charges
• New aboriginal courtroom in Calgary to
host sentencing circles
Discuss the following editorial cartoons. What ideology and
reaction to liberalism is being expressed in these sources?