In this article you will learn about the basic Principles of Liberalism in Political Science.
Principles of Liberalism
Recognition of Importance of Individual
Liberalism grants to the individual a high position of importance. Individualism is accepted as the central point of all social, economic and political activities. It is meaningless to talk of society minus individuals, because a society is a large and active group of individuals and without it a society is nothing. Society is a means to the end, i.e. the individuals. Society is for the individual and not the individual for the society.
Faith in Rationality of Individual
Liberalism has a firm faith in the knowledge, intelligence and rationality of individuals. By being rational, every individual knows what is good for him and what is not. No person should be forced to follow or accept such laws, conventions and principles which do not conform to his intellect and logic. The supporters of Liberalism give special importance upon the organised intellectual power of the human individual as the basis of all human development and progress.
Opposition to Blind Faith and Tradition
Medieval Age was bound down by blind faith, superstitions and traditions. The economic, political and religious institutions were looked upon as the ideals. The liberalist opposed these traditions and institutions and prepared the way for further changes. The liberalists stood for a society which is free from all kinds of superstitions and irrational traditions.
Support for Human Rights and Freedom
The liberal thinkers support the rights and freedom of every human. No State or society should abolish and restrict them because it is the duty of the State to protect all the rights of the people. According to them the basic rights are : the right to life and property, and the rights to equality, liberty and justice.
Firm Support for Liberty
The liberal thinkers support liberty as the most cherished ideal. It includes the liberty of thought and expression, liberty of family, liberty of religious, social liberty and economic liberty. However, liberty is only taken in a positive way as it stands for some restraints and seeks to eliminate irrational ones.
State as the means, Individual as the End
Liberalism regards the State only as an institution that has been made for the comfort and development of the individuals inhabiting it. The State is regarded as the means and its aim is the welfare, justice and development of every individual.
Constitutional and Limited Government
Liberalism does not support the end of state and an undue limitation of power of the state and its government. Liberalism is opposed only to the despotism of the rulers. Initially, liberalism favoured limiting the powers of the government, but with passage of time it bagan to accept the role of the state as a harmonising factor between the individual good and the social welfare. However, every government should function within its constitutional limits.
Support for Democracy
Liberalism upheld democracy because it alone could really ensure the rights and freedoms of all. It believes in representative institutions, free and fair election, adult franchise, independent and impartial judiciary, rule of law and social welfare.
Faith in Secularism
Liberalism supports the abolition of the special religion of the state. People belonging to all religions should enjoy equal rights and freedoms. Large number of countries all over the world accept the secular views of liberalism.
Tolerance towards Dissents
The liberalists tolerate dissent and welcome opposition as an alternative point of view. They believe not in the exercise of violence and force in politics, but in consultation in order to arrive at a decision. In a democratic system, while the majority rule is an acceptable way of life, the minorities are to have the rights to work and secure their interest.
Pluralist Society and Multiculturalism
The liberalists accept the pluralistic nature of society because it consists of people associated with all kinds of classes, castes, creed, religion and cultures. Each class, religion or culture has its own interests and men form groups and associations for the protection of their interests. A State must serve the interests of all groups and associations equally and adopt a liberal attitude towards those who are in minority.
Faith in Liberalism of Economy
Initially, liberalism favoured absence of state action in the spheres of trade, business and economy and it favoured open competition, laissez faire and free trade. Later, liberalism accepted the concept of welfare state and presently it stands for liberalisation, privatisation, free trading, open competition, market economy and globalisation.
Faith in Internationalism and Universal Brotherhood
Liberalism supports internationalism, world peace, harmony and brotherhood of all people. It believes in the motto ‘Live and let live’. Liberal thinkers support the right of every state to develop itself without any considerations. It encourages all nations to get together and try to find solutions for all human problems through international cooperation.
In contemporary times, the political ideology of Liberalism stands for :
- Equal rights and freedoms of all the people of the world.
- Constitutional protection of the rights and freedoms of the people.
- Total opposition to oppression, authoritarianism and force.
- Rule of law as the basic principle of governance.
- Decentralisation of power.
- State as a natural, necessary and welfare institution.
- Interdependence of State and Individual, neither is a means nor an end in itself.
- Advocacy of a peaceful conflict-resolution in society.
- Government-making through free, fair, impartial and regular elections ensuring open struggle for power among the politically organised groups of people.
- Government derives its power from the people and exercises duly defined authority.
- Transparency in the organisation and working of government.
- Responsibility and accountability of the government towards the people and public opinion.
- Equality, Liberty and Justice as the three cardinal pillars of society, economy and polity.
- Open competition, market economy, free trade and liberalisation as the key principles of economy.
- Liberalism stands for a liberal democratic system, pluralist society, toleration of dissent, public opinion and a system of governance characterised by a high level of continuous participation of the people in the political process.
- A firm faith in Human Dignity, Human Worth, Human Development, Human Rights and Freedoms of all the people of the world, Multiculturalism and Secularism is a basic feature of contemporary Liberalism.
This article on Principles of Liberalism in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.