Classical Liberalism

Running head: CLASSICAL LIBERALISM
Classical Liberalism
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1CLASSICAL LIBERALISM
Thinkers Beliefs How Their Ideas were
Radical at that time?
How Their ideas are
Related to Classical
Liberalism?
Hobbes Believed mn are usually
self-centred and are driven
by selfish desires. They try
to avoid conflicts regarding
any idea and believe that
conflict arises mostly
because of economic
scarcity. Therefore, they can
easily come under one
sovereign ruler who will
protect their civil rights and
guard their interests.
Hobbes was the first person
ever, to talk about
centralization of power.
Also, was the first person to
talk about the protection of
private property.
Hobbes acknowledged
and recognised the
individual needs and also
the need of a political
authority and strong
leadership. This reflected
the importance of
individual rights and
upheld the basis of
Classical Liberalism.
Locke Believed that liberalism is
essentially influenced by the
government and the
governed and the basic
rights of men that are- to
life, freedom and property.
He followed the positivist
method of using reason and
logic to determine action.
Also mentioned the
Locke also, recognised the
importance of a
Government body and basic
human rights. Keeping in
mind his background and
the time he comes from, it
was not easy to voice
something like this.
Locke was extremely
rational in his orientation.
Further, he talked about
the Social contract and the
need to protect civil rights
and freedom. This adheres
to the ideas of Classical
Liberalism.