Single Idea 7593

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / a. Liberalism basics]

Full Idea

Liberalism believes (roughly) in the supremacy of the individual, who has freedom and natural rights; it focuses on human, not divine affairs; it claims rights and duties are universal; and it advocates tolerance in religion and morality.

Gist of Idea

Liberals focus on universal human freedom, natural rights, and tolerance

Source

report of Roger Scruton (A Dictionary of Political Thought [1982], 'liberalism') by PG - Db (ideas)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'A Dictionary of Political Thought' [Pan 1983], p.269


A Reaction

I find it hard to disagree with these principles, but the upshot in practice is often an excessive commitment to freedom and tolerance, because people fail to realise the subtle long-term erosions of society that can result.