Single Idea 22872

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

Full Idea

Liberalism is committed to …the liberation of individuals so that realisation of their capacities may be the law of their life.

Gist of Idea

Liberals aim to allow individuals to realise their capacities

Source

John Dewey (The Later Works (17 vols, ed Boydston) [1930], 11:41), quoted by David Hildebrand - Dewey 4 'Dewey'

Book Reference

Hildebrand,David: 'Dewey' [One World 2008], p.103


A Reaction

Capacity expression as the main aim of politics is precisely the idea developed more fully in modern times by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum. It strikes me as an excellent proposal. Does it need liberalism, or socialism?