The concept of liberalism has its roots in the idea of liberty, derived from the Latin word “libertas,” meaning freedom. English political theorist Leonard Hobhouse notes that the modern state begins with an authoritarian order, and the protest against this order is the historic beginning of liberalism. This philosophy centers on the idea of people being afforded fundamental freedoms or rights, which requires the state to restrain certain practices among its citizens. For instance, individuals have the right to worship freely, but this right does not extend to harming others or infringing on their rights.
The concept of liberalism is often associated with English philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Hobbes, in his masterpiece Leviathan, argues that the state is based on protecting individuals from each other, with the substrate of his philosophy being the rights of person and property. Locke, in his Second Treatise on Government, makes a case for a limited government that does not encroach on the people’s rights of person and property. He suggests that individuals in a state of nature, without laws or government, are equal and free, but may require a “common superior” to adjudicate disputes and prevent chaos.
Other influential thinkers, such as Thomas Paine and Wilhelm von Humboldt, have also contributed to the liberal battle cry. Paine, in his pamphlet Common Sense, argues against hereditary succession and monarchies, instead advocating for limited government and individual rights. Humboldt, in his book Limits of State Action, sets out to prescribe the exact sphere to which government should extend its operations, concluding that the proper limits of state agency must lead to greater freedom for human energies and a richer diversity of circumstances.
The ideas of classical liberalism have been influential in shaping modern politics, with thinkers like Noam Chomsky noting that these ideas are profoundly anti-capitalist and can lead to a genuinely left-leaning politics. Chomsky argues that if we trace the arguments of classical liberalism, we end up with a truly progressive political philosophy. This philosophy emphasizes individual freedom, creativity, and development, with the state serving to foster the growth and development of the individual.
In today’s political landscape, it’s essential to understand that the liberal center is where most people reside, and that leftist thought, while present in books and academic discourse, does not have a significant presence in mainstream politics. However, by exploring the ideas of classical liberalism and its emphasis on individual rights, limited government, and human development, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of political philosophy and the importance of protecting individual freedoms. Ultimately, the concept of liberalism serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing individual rights with the need for a functioning state, and the ongoing struggle to create a more just and equitable society.
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