What are the main themes of classical liberalism?

The first 200 words of this essay...

What are the main themes of classical liberalism?

In order to ascertain the main themes of classical liberalism, one must look at the themes of liberalism as a whole, as they are integral to its make up as the classical form was the first to come about. Influenced by the enlightenment and formed between the change from feudalism to capitalism, it formed the basis of liberal thinking, focussing on the primacy of the individual ' liberalism strives to establish the conditions in which people and groups can pursue the good life as each defines it.' (Heywood, 2007, p 26) Classical liberalism, whilst centring on the individual, has a rather negative outlook of them.

Classical liberals have an egoistical view of the individual, stretching to atomism. Believing that a 'society' doesn't exist, only a collection of self-interested, self-sufficient individuals who are only looking out for themselves. In fact C.B Macpherson described the liberal view of the individual as ' the proprietor of his own person or capacities, owing nothing to society for them' (Heywood, 2007, p28) This seem a very pessimistic view of classical liberals of the time, such as John Locke, but is still an accurate