Episode Four: What is Liberalism?

After a COVID-induced hiatus, Ideas Matter is back better than ever. Today we take a break from our usual format to consider a singular philosophy in greater depth, namely, Liberalism.



Liberalism is so pervasive its assumptions appear to us (Westerners) as common-sensical assumptions. Individualism, a rights-based approach to justice, and rational choice theory are so ubiquitous they've become the socio-cultural air that we breathe. But where do these ideas come from?



Sources used:

'Liberal Equality' in Contemporary Political Philosophy (second edition) by William Kymlicka

'Liberal Individualism and Liberal Neutrality' in Contemporary Political Theory: A Reader by William Kymlicka

'Political Liberalism' in The Great Delusion: Liberal Dreams and International Realities by John J. Mearsheimer



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