Classical Liberalism: Examining Thinkers, Radical Ideas, and Relevance

This essay delves into the core tenets of classical liberalism by examining the contributions of influential thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Smith, and Mill. It analyzes their beliefs regarding individual rights, the role of government, economic freedom, and the social contract. The essay highlights how these thinkers' ideas were radical for their time, often challenging existing political and social norms. It also discusses the relevance of their concepts to modern classical liberalism, emphasizing the enduring importance of individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. The paper references Giddens and Ritzer to support its analysis of classical sociological theory and its encounter with classical and contemporary social thought.

Running head: CLASSICAL LIBERALISM
Classical Liberalism
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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.

2CLASSICAL LIBERALISM
necessity of social contract
between the government
and its people.
Montesquieu Developed the idea of
power separation within
government and society.
Propounded three levels of
government, that are,
legislative, executive and
judicial and also the three
levels of society, the king,
the people and the
aristocracy where the third
is the media of the two.
Realised the need for
equality across nation and
dawned upon the concept of
Democracy.
He was the first person to
segregate within the
Government Body and
desire the abolition of the
existing French Monarchy,
which was one of the
bravest deeds to be done at
that time.
Montesquieu was the
father figure of
Renaissance. He voiced
for the abolition of
Monarchy, inclusion of
Democracy, importance of
Fundamental Rights and
need for limitation of the
Constitution. All the
thoughts were Liberal in
orientation.
Smith Viewed the economic
notion of Liberalism.
Pointed out that if money is
kept limited then
individual’s acts will be
self-interested and
economical and this will
Smith is the father figure of
the modern economy that he
introduced in a society that
was dominated by
Mercantile Capitalism.
Also, he mentioned about
the free trade which was
Smith’s economic ideas
gave importance to the
decision and rights of the
individuals. He talked
about a competitive
economic market where
the individuals will play

3CLASSICAL LIBERALISM
ultimately benefit the
society. He also defined the
role of government being
the body to ensure fair trade
and protect private property.
completely a new idea. the essential role rather
the Government. This was
primarily a Liberal
thought as it signifies
individual rights, freedom
and decisions.
Mill Held the political belief of
Classical Liberalism, stating
that a state will be regarded
as a completely just state
only when it will respect
and protect the basic rights
of the individuals. He also,
included the idea of
Democratic Government.
Mill expressed his ideas of
Freedom of Speech and
Individual Rights in a time
when they were delimited.
Mill go his ideas of
personal freedom and
individual rights from the
basic theories of Classical
Liberalism.

4CLASSICAL LIBERALISM
References:
Giddens, A., 2013. Politics, sociology and social theory: encounters with classical and
contemporary social thought. John Wiley & Sons.
Ritzer, G, Stepnisky, J., 2017. Classical sociological theory. SAGE Publications.