Political Liberalism

• belief in the basic goodness of human beings
• they have a RIGHT to be free in:
  religion, speech, association, ("to be left alone")
• need PROTECTION against infringement of rights

Economic Liberalism

• belief in the basic selfishness of human beings
• free pursuit of self-interest results in greatest good (Adam Smith, Inq. into Causes, 1776)
  freedom of trade, "free market," laissez faire

Inherent contradiction:
government must leave alone AND protect
(separation of powers, elections)

Is liberalism "radical"?

Preference for institutions & practices

• that have evolved historically,
• and thus manifest continuity and stability

• respect for traditions, existing institutions

Humans not born free or good,
but naturally prone to:

• anarchy, evil, mutual destruction

Edmund Burke (1790):
state=partnership not only between living, but between "those who are living, those who are dead and those who are to be born."
(compare Rousseau's Social Contract [1762])

meanings: conservative vs. reactionary