LIBERALISM

Liberalism is a political philosophy emphasising individual liberty, equal rights, limited government, rule of law, free markets, and tolerance.

Emerged from Enlightenment. Locke's social contract (1689). Mill's harm principle (1859). Rawls's "A Theory of Justice" (1971).

John Locke, Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Ronald Dworkin.

Individual liberty. Natural rights. Government by consent. Free markets. Harm principle. Religious tolerance. Justice as fairness.

Founded modern democracy and human rights. Shaped constitutionalism. Dominated political philosophy in Western democracies.