-
Introduction to Liberalism
On the 4th of November 1789, the famous Liberal and Welshman, Richard Price, gave a sermon that sparked lively political discussion; he spoke of several political ideas that attract much attention to this day.
read more >> -
The Roots of Liberalism
The term ‘liberal’ extends back to the Middle Ages and was used in several different contexts over the centuries. For example, the Latin term, liber, describes a class of free men – men who were not slaves. The term was more recently used to suggest generosity.
read more >> -
Streams of Liberalism
As in almost every other political ideology, liberalism was not a single neat body of ideas. As a result, while some have tried to argue that liberalism is a single pure doctrine, the majority believe in several streams of liberalism. The most prominent are Classical Liberalism and Modern Liberalism.
read more >> -
The Key Elements of Liberalism
Individualism Individualism is a completely central liberal principle. It means that liberals believe that individual welfare should come before social welfare, or the welfare of any other collective group. They believe that people are different individuals in the first place, and that this fact is important.
read more >> -
The Foundations of a Liberal State
Although liberals emphasise the freedom of everyone, they accept that no peaceful, tolerant society with equality for all would be possible with absolute freedom. Without any political or legal regime for keeping order, individuals could use their freedom to abuse or gain advantage over others. This would cause a situation where each member of society would be able to threaten others or be threatened by others.
read more >> -
Liberalism, the State and Equality
Liberalism and equality Liberals believe that three elements of equality belong to social equality, namely: • *Basic equality:* Liberals believe that each person should have the right to basic equality and that the lives of all individuals have the same moral value. • *Formal equality:* Liberals believe that each person should have the same formal status within society, and that everyone, regardless of background, should have the same rights and privileges. They believe society should not consider any differences between people and ensure equal opportunities for all regardless of gender, skin colour, religion or social class.
read more >> -
Liberalism and the Economy
Each liberal believes that a free market economy is important. Liberals however have different viewpoints with regards to how many steps the state should take to try to regulate and steer the economy. The answer of different liberals to this question depends on whether they are classical or modern liberals.
read more >> -
Liberalism in Welsh Politics
The origin of the Liberal Party Whilst elements of liberalism have influenced state politics throughout the 18th century, official political Liberalism did not occur in the United Kingdom until the election of 1868, when the Liberal Party was formed. But aspects of liberalism had greatly influenced the state before that. The election of 1868 was the first election following the passing of the Reform Act in 1867, that gave the vote to men owning a house or paying rent of £10 in the boroughs.
read more >> -
Liberalism and Global Politics
The context of Liberalism and Realism Although liberalism is a very central perspective in today’s politics, the situation is very different internationally. In some parts of the world, liberal ideas are harshly criticised. This is the realist perspective, which considers the international system as one in a state of anarchy.
read more >>
