Liberal principles; the principles and methods of the liberals in politics or religion; specifically, the principles of the Liberal party.
an ideology that believes in the following social values: freedom, individualism, inequality, pragmatism, and humanism. Liberalism supports social insurance programs, because it believes that they encourage savings (thus being less dependent on the State), shares the risk of unemployment, injury and retirement amongst all those at risk. Liberalism believes in full employment as a social program, so that people support themselves and can be less dependent on the State.
In the context of trade policy, "liberal" usually means freedom from import controls or government restraints. Liberalism connotes a preference for reducing existing barriers to trade --in contrast with protectionism, or a preference for retaining or raising barriers to import competition. See also mercantilism and economic nationalism.
Sometimes called Modernism. Includes most Protestant religious philosophies that attempt a reconciliation of science, humanism, and traditional Christianity. Stresses the ethical teachings of Jesus and a social gospel. God is conceived as man's fellow worker in reforming the world. Human nature is essentially good. It says "Religion is a feeling of creaturely dependence on God" ( Schleiermacher). Religion is that which "adds strength to frailty, fulfillment to frustration, wholeness to incompleteness" (Bewkes). See Protestant liberalism
A political philosophy "historically associated with the idea of freedom: the civil freedom of the individual: free political institutions; freedom of religion; free enterprise and free trade in economics." In its contemporary form, liberalism includes a belief in democratic capitalism, and in the duty of the state to alleviate social ills, and to protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. (Alan Bullock and Oliver Stallybrass (eds.), The Fontana Dictionary of Modern Thought (London 1977), 347). Political parties calling themselves "Liberal" do not always reflect "liberal" values.
Political philosophy which is attuned to the interests of the middle class. Stresses the liberty of the individual, both in relation to the state and in the pursuit of economic self-interest.
Modern political ideology that favors government intervention in the interest of public welfare, social justice, and fair play.
A term that gained significance in the 19th century, when it meant the limiting of government power and the increase of social reform. In the 20th century, capitalist democracies occasionally described themselves as 'liberal' to indicate that they didn't attempt to control thought and action to the same extent as Communist regimes. However, over time, the term has become derogatory, used by the right wing to denigrate the left. Find out more
the principle ideas of which are equality and liberty, demanded representative government and equality before the law as well as individual freedoms such as freedom of press, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom from arbitrary arrest. (p. 762)
a political orientation that favors progress and reform
A political and economic theory or philosophy that emphasizes the freedom of individuals but sees substantial inequalities of opportunity as an impediment to individuals participating in the competitive system. To rectify inequalities, liberals favor government programs rather than relying solely on the impersonal market.
this philosophy of education proposes that the purpose of education is to develop the intellect. The teacher is viewed as an expert and the authority in the classroom whose responsibility it is to direct the learning experience.
An ideology that rejects authoritarian government and defends freedom of speech, association, and religion as well as the right to own property. Liberalism evolved during the ENLIGHTMENT and became the dominant political idea of the nineteenth century. Both the American and French Revolutions were based on liberal thought.
A 19th-century political idea which championed individual rights, civil liberties, and private property. In Latin America, it also opposed the Catholic Church's extensive control over society (anti-clericalism) and favored an end to special privileges ( fueros) for military and clerical members.
commitment to individual freedoms such as freedom of trade, speech, press, association and religion
Political orientation that favours progress, meaningful change and reform.
the theoretical perspective based on the assumption of the innate goodness of the individual and the value of political institutions (63) back to: neoliberal institutionalism
Political system where economical freedom is repressed. The extreme form of liberalism is called communism. The old usage of "liberal" meant "libertarian", but this meaning has fallen into disuse in North America.
The view that theological truths cannot be accepted on the basis of authority alone (e.g. the inerrancy if the Bible), but must be subject to reason and experience. It tends to accommodate scientific theories like evolution and deny the supernatural dimension of the Bible.
(noun): political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties
belief in social progress, the welfare state, active government, essential goodness of human race, the autonomy of the individual, and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties.
a theological movement originating in the 19th century which tries to accommodate the message of Christianity to the claims of modern science, philosophy, sociology, and psychology. Liberals deny the inerrancy and infallibility of the Scriptures, and see the primary purpose of the church as improving social conditions on earth rather than saving souls for eternity.
