Classical Liberalism Through The Ages - 1210 Words

Isaac Oraweme POL 2400 Fall 2015 Northeastern University Prof. Florencia Gabriele 11/21/2015 Classical Liberalism – Through The Ages In order to evaluate both concepts of liberalism, we should take in to consideration their historical contexts. Because every political philosophy is the product of a certain time and circumstance and therefore has its limitation(s). Classical Liberalism, which is also known as traditional liberalism, laissez-faire liberalism, or simply liberalism all over the world is a doctrine that stresses the importance of human rationality, individual property rights, natural rights, the protection of civil liberties, constitutional limitations of government, free markets, and individual freedom from restraint. At its†¦show more content†¦ Raico, Ralph. The Rise, Fall, and Renaissance of Classical Liberalism. - 01 Aug. 1992. Web. 20 Nov. 2015. Essentially, western civilization is a product of classical liberalism. The principles of Classical liberalism are exemplified in the writings of John Locke, Montesquieu, John Stuart Mill, Adam Smith, Voltaire and others. Classical Liberalism is basically seen as the combination of economic liberalism and political liberalism. Another contention of classical liberalism is that part of what makes society civil is the ability of its members to help each other. Classical liberalism also sees the market as a major part of civil society. It asserts that people want and ultimately need to do good by others, and claims that part of that includes freely exchanging the fruits of their labor with fellow members of society. Classical liberals don’t just promote the market, limited government, and voluntary association, classical liberalism asserts that in order for society to remain functional, it has to be democratic, and maintains that people do not simply need to do good by their fellow man but that they must also love doing good. Liberals are hopeful that members of a civil society will do the right thing, but readily they acknowledge that people can be vicious, specifically members of society who are in positions of