What is liberalism?
Question[edit]
What is liberalism?
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Answer from Wikle[edit]
According to Duncan Bell's 2014 article "What is Liberalism," liberalism is a political doctrine that takes protecting and enhancing the freedom of the individual to be the central problem of politics. Liberals typically believe that government is necessary to protect individuals from being harmed by others, but they also recognize that government itself can pose a threat to liberty.
In particular, Bell states that liberalism is a complex and multifaceted ideology with a long history and many different dimensions. It includes a broad range of ideas and principles, but its core values include individual rights, freedom, equality, justice, diversity, and tolerance. Liberals believe in the importance of rationality, dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas and they generally promote progressive social change.
Bell also notes that there are several different strains of liberalism, including classical liberalism, social liberalism, neoliberalism, and radical liberalism, each of which emphasizes different aspects of these core values. For example, classical liberals tend to focus on limiting the power of the state and promoting free markets, while social liberals emphasize the need for government intervention to promote social justice and protect the rights of marginalized groups.
However, Bell acknowledges that there is considerable debate and disagreement among scholars and political theorists about the precise definition of liberalism, its core principles, and its historical development. Some may emphasize one aspect over others, or interpret the same principles in different ways, leading to a variety of different interpretations and understandings of what liberalism is.