In what ways might Liberalism be seen to have a dual character within contemporary politics?.
Liberalism, as the word would imply, cherishes freedom. This however is not as straight forward as may at first appear. When asking questions such as what is meant by freedom, and freedom from what, we get contrasting ideas from various strands within the liberal tradition. Where early liberalshad wanted government to interfere as little as possible?, modern liberals came to believe the government should deliverhealth, housing, pensions and education?, includingmanaging, or at least regulating,? the economy (Heywood pg26, 1998). This led to the development of two traditions,classical and modern?, within liberalism (Heywood pg26, 1998).
Classical liberalism, the earliest of the liberal traditions, whose ideas developed during thetransition from feudalism to capitalism?, reaching their high point during theindustrialisation of the 19th century? (Heywood pg 48, 1998). Classical liberalism is not merely a nineteenth century form of liberalism, it's principles found growing appeal in the second half of the 20th century, with an increase in popularity for its ideas occurring in reaction togrowing state involvement in economic and social life? (Heywood pg 48, 1998).
Adam Smith's book, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of Wealth of Nations (1776), made a telling contribution to the debate onthe desirable role of governmet within civil society? (Heywood pg51, 1998), drawing his ideas from liberal rationalist assumptions, such as John Locke'ssocial contract?, that thelegitimate? role of government was limited to the protection oflife, liberty and property? (Heywood pg49, 1998). Adam Smith wrote in a time when Mercantilism, the dominating idea of the 16th and 17th century, was encouraging governments tointervene? in economic life in an attempt toencourage? the exportation of goods, whilst restricting imports.
