Liberalism Liberalism first earned its recognition in the 18th century with John Locke an English philosopher and politician. Liberalism had started its history in the middle ages and even earlier. It has always believed in individuality for each person and getting each person to reach their full potential, and remaining obstacles that people may encounter like poverty, disease, discrimination, and ignorance. There is a divided opinion among liberals as to whether governments should recognise individual freedom rather than protect it. This has caused a difference of opinion between liberals in the United States and Europe, were liberalism in the welfare state policies and in Europe is associated more for a commitment for a limited government. …show more content…
A new way of thinking came about because of industrial capitalism. From L.T Hobhouse and J.A Hobson perspective it was “personal development and the flourishing of the individual” Beliefs and Principles of Liberalism Individualism: Is a huge belief for liberals. It represents an important part for human individualism. That people are seen first, for who they are. Liberals want a society were individuals can flourish and development indapenitly to benefit society. Freedom: Liberals believe that everyone has the right to act how they choose to do so. Once do so under the rules of the law, and it doesn’t affect another person’s liberty. Reason: One of the things about Liberalism that sticks out for me is the capability to resolve differences with words, rather than war. It tries to encourage people to resolve issues between themselves as they know what’s best for them as individual members of society or community’s. Equality: Liberals believe in equal rights for everybody “Equality before the law” a level playing field for all. They have a meritocracy belief system that those who work hard will go far and those who don’t get left behind in