Individualism & Freedom/Liberty

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Individualism

Individualism places value on the rights of the individual over the rights of the group in society.

Primacy of the individual

John Stuart Mill argued that “over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.”
An individual has responsibility for their own actions, and is a rational being - and so an individual’s right to choose their own actions should be protected.
Liberals believe that the individual is an end in themselves, rather than the means to an end.
- This is a key principle of the philosophy of Immanuel Kant.

Individual vs the State

Liberals believe that the state should not harm the rights of the individual, and dislike strong and paternalistic states which intervene on individual rights.
Liberals believe the individual should have as much freedom as possible.
Some liberal thinkers oppose government intervention in the free market, government welfare and other state policies that restrict individual rights, freedoms or responsibilities.
Instead, the individual has a responsibility to achieve in society by the strength of their own ability.

Egoistical individualism

Egoistical individualism is the belief that individual freedom involves satisfying one’s own desires and needs.
More extreme versions of egoistical individualism, such as parts of Thatcherism, don’t believe in a society - instead that we live as a collection of rational self-interested individuals.
This view of liberalism supports a state that is as small as possible, and individuals should have as few state restrictions as possible.
This view is also known as atomism and is held by classical liberals.

Developmental individualism

Developmental individualists believe in a society, and although they support the ideas of individualism, they believe that individuals wish to live alongside one another.
Developmental individualists support more state intervention than egoistical individualists.
- Developmental individualists support the idea that the state can make individuals more free by providing them with welfare and support.
Developmental individualism is a view often held by social liberals.

Freedom or Liberty

Freedom is the ability and right to make choices for oneself without restriction, coercion or external intervention and it is the most important liberal value.

Freedom

Individual freedom is the focus of liberalism.
However, this does not include unrestricted freedom (‘absolute’ freedom), as this may harm other people and becomes licence to harm others.
- Individuals have a right to freedom, but also a duty not to abuse others with it, or limit their freedom.

The role of the state

The state should have a role in ensuring individual liberty, and should not extend beyond what is necessary to ensure individual liberty.
The extent of the state depends on whether positive or negative liberty is supported.
The state should guarantee freedom under the law - and so should protect individual freedoms from coercion and external restrictions.
- For example, the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution protects freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

Capitalism

Liberals believe in the principle of free choice, and therefore that the capitalist system is the best way to ensure individual freedom in society and the economy.
The capitalist market is based around ideas of free choice.
Some liberals believe in government interventions in the free market, but all support capitalism in one form or another.

The Harm Principle

John Stuart Mill proposed the ‘Harm Principle’ to deal with the problem of when it is appropriate for society to restrict individual liberty.
Individual liberty can be restricted if an individual’s actions may risk harm to others.
This ensures freedom of the community.

Positive and Negative Liberty

Isaiah Berlin argued that there are two types of liberty - positive and negative.

Types of liberty: positive

Positive liberty is when an individual is given freedom to do as they wish by an authority.
- For example, the state giving social welfare to an individual may give them the income to do actions they wish to do.
- Positive liberty supports a larger role for the state.

Types of liberty: negative

Negative liberty is when an individual is free from external constraints and interference to do as they wish.
- For example, freedom from a tyrannical government means that an individual can speak and act as they wish without fear of harm from the government.
- Negative liberty supports a smaller role for the state.