Explain and analyse three reasons why liberalism takes a positive view of
•human nature
Point: thinkers such as Locke believe that the state of nature is not one that is undersirable
• Explain: due to Lockes positive view on human nature, he believed that ‘natural’ society would serve mankinds interests well.
That as human nature is seen so possitively, there is no need for a state
• Analyse: the dismissal of the need for law and order could lead to a chaotic society
• Point: thinkers such as Locke believe that human nature is rational and therefore respectful of others; guided usually by reson
and logic rather than emotion and impulse
• Explain: this means, whilst classical liberals view human nature as egotistical, human rationality allows us to realise that
selfishness and disrespect for others can rebound to our disadvantage
• Analyse: this suggests humans are only rational to ensure situations best suit them individually
• Point: thinkers such as Mill believed that human nature is progressive
• Explain: this means that human nature is not set in stone, instead it is constantly progressing and developing through greater
knowledge, an improved understanding of the world around us, and greater education. This idea is called developmental
individualism. This goes in hand with Mills idea of higher and lower pleasures, that humans should spend time on higher
pleasures to better themselves
• Analyse: gives a positive impression on what could be rather than what is
, Explain and analyse three ways in which liberal thinkers view human nature
• Point:
•human nature
Point: thinkers such as Locke believe that the state of nature is not one that is undersirable
• Explain: due to Lockes positive view on human nature, he believed that ‘natural’ society would serve mankinds interests well.
That as human nature is seen so possitively, there is no need for a state
• Analyse: the dismissal of the need for law and order could lead to a chaotic society
• Point: thinkers such as Locke believe that human nature is rational and therefore respectful of others; guided usually by reson
and logic rather than emotion and impulse
• Explain: this means, whilst classical liberals view human nature as egotistical, human rationality allows us to realise that
selfishness and disrespect for others can rebound to our disadvantage
• Analyse: this suggests humans are only rational to ensure situations best suit them individually
• Point: thinkers such as Mill believed that human nature is progressive
• Explain: this means that human nature is not set in stone, instead it is constantly progressing and developing through greater
knowledge, an improved understanding of the world around us, and greater education. This idea is called developmental
individualism. This goes in hand with Mills idea of higher and lower pleasures, that humans should spend time on higher
pleasures to better themselves
• Analyse: gives a positive impression on what could be rather than what is
, Explain and analyse three ways in which liberal thinkers view human nature
• Point:
