Liberalism has a dual commitment both to individual freedom and equality. How does liberalism try to reconcile these two commitments? Does it succeed? Can freedom and equality really co-exist?

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Andrew Farleigh        Page         10/05/2007

Liberalism has a dual commitment both to individual freedom and equality. How does liberalism try to reconcile these two commitments? Does it succeed? Can freedom and equality really co-exist?

        The ideas of liberalism have been around for more than three hundred years and inevitably these ideas have changed over time. These changes led to the development of two strands of liberalism, which are referred to as ‘classical liberalism’ and ‘modern liberalism’. It is important to distinguish between the two strands as these liberal traditions clash over their views on certain aspects of society, particularly on the role of the state. From a classical liberal perspective the state should play a minimal role in society, this idea is exemplified by the New right. From a modern liberal view point the state should play an active role in society, for example the welfare state. Many key political ideas were derived from liberalism, both classical and modern. The work of the classical liberalist Adam Smith on protections in international and national trade could be clearly seen in Margaret Thatcher’s economic policies and ideas on the free market. Her ideas on the role that the state should play in society also followed a classical liberalist approach. Due to the emergence of the two strands the ideology of liberalism was now subject to inherent contradictory beliefs.

        Almost all supporters of liberalism argue the supremacy of the individual and believe that every ones greatest concern should be their individual happiness. Liberalism promises all individuals equal rights and freedoms regardless of their economic or social status. Freedom is defined as being able to act at will and not under restraint. The word freedom has been connected with independence, flexibility and free rein. Equality is achieved in society when all individuals are of the same merit. To achieve equality is to reach a state of sameness, balance and fairness.

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Liberalism commits itself to both individual freedom and to equality. A big problem with this is that a classical liberal would hold a different idea about what individual freedom and equality should entail, in comparison with a modern liberal. “Many of the disagreements within liberal ideology can be traced back to these rival ideas of uniqueness and equality”.

        According to classical liberals freedom is the absence of restrictions. Extreme theorists would not agree with any form of restriction which infringes on an individual’s freedom. For example they are against restrictions on speeding, self harm and the use of addictive drugs. ...

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