Difference between revisions of "Liberalism"
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* [[Australia liberalism]] | * [[Australia liberalism]] | ||
==Reference== | ==Reference== | ||
| − | * {{wikipedia|Liberalism}} | + | * {{wikipedia}} |
| + | * {{conservapedia|Classical Liberalism}} | ||
| + | * {{dkosopedia|Liberal}} | ||
| + | * {{sourcewatch}} | ||
| + | ==Writings== | ||
| + | * [http://www.myleftwing.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=539 John F. Kennedy: On Being a Liberal] (this may be more relevant to [[US liberalism]] in particular) | ||
Revision as of 18:36, 9 March 2008
Overview
Liberalism, at its core, is a political philosophy which holds that individual liberty is the most important consideration.
Liberalism:
- emphasizes individual rights
- seeks a society characterized by:
- freedom of thought for individuals
- limitations on political power (especially of government and religion)
- the rule of law (as opposed to e.g. arbitrary commands of a king or despot)
- the free exchange of ideas
- a market economy supporting free private enterprise
- a transparent system of government that protects specific rights for all citizens equally
In the modern age, liberals tend to prefer a liberal democratic form of government while realizing that such is merely the best known expression of liberal ideals and far from perfect.
The exact nature of liberalism as a social and political force varies significantly from country to country:
Reference
Writings
- John F. Kennedy: On Being a Liberal (this may be more relevant to US liberalism in particular)