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To what extent do modern liberals accept the ideas of classical liberals? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 3
To what extent do modern liberals accept the ideas of classical liberals? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider di... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent do modern liberals accept the ideas of classical liberals? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Agreement between Modern and Classical Liberals
Answer
Both Modern Liberals (ML) and Classical Liberals (CL) agree on the foundational principle of individualism as a means to ensure maximum freedom for all.
- Individual Rationality: Both ML and CL believe that individuals are rational and therefore capable of making informed choices, which underpins their support for personal freedom.
- Role of the State: Furthermore, both perspectives endorse the idea that the state should exist primarily to protect these freedoms.
Key thinkers like John Stuart Mill highlight the importance of protecting individual liberty from state interference, suggesting there is a shared understanding between the two branches.
Step 2
Disagreement on the Role of the State
Answer
Despite these agreements, there are significant divergences regarding the role of the state and social justice.
- Social Welfare: While CL advocates for minimal state intervention and prioritizes individual freedom, ML argues for a more active state role in addressing social inequalities.
- Democratic Participation: Moreover, ML supports greater democratic participation and suggests that the state should help support marginalized groups to ensure a truly fair society.
This divergence is articulated in the works of contemporary liberal thinkers, who argue that without addressing structural inequalities, individual freedoms cannot be genuinely realized.
Step 3
Evaluating the Extent of Agreement
Answer
We can conclude that while there is a foundational agreement between Modern and Classical Liberals regarding individual freedoms and the purpose of the state, significant differences arise when addressing social justice and state intervention.
- Classical Liberals tend to emphasize negative liberties, focusing on freedom from interference, while Modern Liberals advocate for positive freedoms, which necessitate some level of state support.
- Thus, the debate continues as Modern Liberals challenge Classical Liberalism by promoting a more inclusively participatory political framework.