Is Classic Liberalism Realistic in Today's Society?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the assumptions of classic liberalism and its potential impact on society and the welfare of individuals. The speaker argues that classical liberalism does not assume high levels of empathy and rationality in humans, and that an uncontrolled market without minimum welfare would not necessarily lead to more crime or poverty. They also suggest that the creation of the welfare state was not solely based on the lack of freedom, but also on promises of benefits and redistribution of wealth.
  • #1
kasse
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I have some questions for Ron Paul-followers.

Doesn't classic liberalism assume that humans have a lot more empathy and rationality than we really do? To me it seems unlikely that this system will create anything like what we're witnessing in countries like Sweden.

Isn't it inevitable that an uncontrolled market without a minimum welfare will create an uneven distribution of welfare in society, that will lead to lots of poor people, and thereby more crime? That's what history has shown!

Without a welfare state, what will happen to the poor? Remember that the people themselves created the welfare state because they didn't have freedom.
 
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  • #2
kasse said:
I have some questions for Ron Paul-followers.

Doesn't classic liberalism assume that humans have a lot more empathy and rationality than we really do? To me it seems unlikely that this system will create anything like what we're witnessing in countries like Sweden.

Isn't it inevitable that an uncontrolled market without a minimum welfare will create an uneven distribution of welfare in society, that will lead to lots of poor people, and thereby more crime? That's what history has shown!

Without a welfare state, what will happen to the poor? Remember that the people themselves created the welfare state because they didn't have freedom.

Well, I am a Norwegian who the last couple of years have been sliding down (or rushing up?) the slippery slope towards classical liberalism.

Not the least based on the deficiencies I see in the Scandinavian welfare state model..
 
  • #3
kasse said:
I have some questions for Ron Paul-followers.

Doesn't classic liberalism assume that humans have a lot more empathy and rationality than we really do?
No, it makes no such assumptions.
To me it seems unlikely that this system will create anything like what we're witnessing in countries like Sweden.
What system? Classical liberalism imposes no system. That's its defining quality.
Isn't it inevitable that an uncontrolled market without a minimum welfare will create an uneven distribution of welfare in society,
Yes.
that will lead to lots of poor people,
No.
and thereby more crime?
No.
That's what history has shown!
History has shown the opposite, that socialist policies lead to more poor people (constituents) and much more crime.
Without a welfare state, what will happen to the poor?
There will be a lot fewer of them.
Remember that the people themselves created the welfare state because they didn't have freedom.
No, it was because they were promised a share of the loot from the legalized pillage. And they're lied to and misled about classical liberalism.
 
  • #4
OP answered. Closed.
 

1. What is classic liberalism?

Classic liberalism is a political ideology that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and limited government intervention in economic and social matters. It originated in the 18th and 19th centuries and is often associated with thinkers such as John Locke, Adam Smith, and Thomas Jefferson.

2. How does classic liberalism differ from modern liberalism?

While both ideologies share a belief in individual rights and freedoms, classic liberalism places a stronger emphasis on limited government and free market economics. Modern liberalism, on the other hand, tends to support a more active role for government in promoting social and economic equality.

3. What are some key principles of classic liberalism?

Some key principles of classic liberalism include individualism, equality before the law, free speech and expression, private property rights, and limited government interference in personal and economic affairs.

4. Are there any notable countries that have embraced classic liberalism?

Yes, some notable countries that have embraced classic liberalism in their political systems include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

5. What are common criticisms of classic liberalism?

Some common criticisms of classic liberalism include its focus on individualism and its potential to lead to inequality and social unrest, its reliance on free market principles which can lead to economic crises, and its disregard for the needs of marginalized groups in society.

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