Liberalism · Chapter
The Movement of Theory explained
This chapter examines the evolution of liberal theory from the doctrine of natural rights and the natural order to the utilitarian greatest happiness principle.
What happens
This chapter examines the evolution of liberal theory from the doctrine of natural rights and the natural order to the utilitarian greatest happiness principle. It critiques the Declaration of the Rights of Man, highlighting inconsistencies in definitions of liberty and the tension between popular sovereignty and individual rights. The chapter then introduces Bentham's utilitarianism as a response to these difficulties, and explores the concept of a natural harmony of interests, particularly in the economic sphere, while noting its fundamental weaknesses.
Themes in this chapter
Liberty and Restraint
The chapter critically analyzes definitions of liberty in the Declaration of 1789, contrasting liberty as non-injury with liberty as equal rights, and explores the necessary limits imposed by law and society.
The Individual and Society
Examines the tension between individual natural rights and the general will, and the theory of natural harmony of interests where self-interest aligns with public good.
Democracy and Popular Sovereignty
Discusses the doctrine of popular sovereignty, the nation as a collective unit versus individual right to participate, and the potential conflict between the will of the nation and individual rights.
Characters to notice
- Jeremy Bentham
Introduced as the elaborator of the greatest happiness principle, who was critical of the theory of natural rights.
- John Locke
Mentioned as a proponent of the contract theory between king and people.
Key passages
“Liberty consists in the power to do anything that does not injure others; thus, the exercise of the natural rights of every man has only such limits as assure to other members of society the enjoyment of the same rights.”
Freedom means being able to do whatever doesn't harm others, so your rights are only limited by the need to guarantee the same rights for everyone else.
This is a key definition from the Declaration of 1789, which the author later critiques as insufficient.
“Self-interest, if enlightened and unfettered, will, in short, lead him to conduct coincident with public interest.”
If people are educated and free to pursue their own gain, they will naturally act in ways that benefit society as a whole.
Summarizes the theory of natural harmony of interests in the economic sphere.