Political Ideologies
Shelby Kilmer
Professor Maher
Pol S 101, Section 1
17 October 2013
Political Ideologies
After analyzing the five ideologies discussed during class, I believe that liberalism sets out the best way to organize society. The ideas and beliefs that stem from liberalism create the most stable and natural organization in a state. The key concepts of human nature, freedom, and principles that derive from liberalism provide a clear and secure foundation for such a fluctuating society like our own. Liberalism’s key focuses that set it apart from other ideologies involve self-interest and independence, natural freedoms, and principles of competition. These concepts are some of the most important to focus on while analyzing a political ideology and I feel that with these concepts liberalism provides the most solid basis for a healthy society. Liberals typically believe that human nature, as a whole, is independent, self-interested, and rational. A conservative may mistake society’s value in self-interest as greed because they believe that people are born greedy. However, self-interest is not necessarily a negative aspect in a society. Self-interest promotes responsibility and personal motivation. People who are self-interested can still be charitable and care for others. A communitarian might agree with this to the extent that humans are rational and reasoning, which helps us overcome greed, although, communitarians believe that our society is driven by greed and selfishness and that with this independence we can not truly work toward the common good. Liberals would disagree with this because people cannot sincerely achieve happiness for themselves or their families if the needs and wants of the majority of society are not met. Another disputed concept of liberalism is the pursuit of freedom. Liberals believe that people should have few constraints and the government should be limited to protecting property, preventing harm, and ensuring security for all people. People
Professor Maher
Pol S 101, Section 1
17 October 2013
Political Ideologies
After analyzing the five ideologies discussed during class, I believe that liberalism sets out the best way to organize society. The ideas and beliefs that stem from liberalism create the most stable and natural organization in a state. The key concepts of human nature, freedom, and principles that derive from liberalism provide a clear and secure foundation for such a fluctuating society like our own. Liberalism’s key focuses that set it apart from other ideologies involve self-interest and independence, natural freedoms, and principles of competition. These concepts are some of the most important to focus on while analyzing a political ideology and I feel that with these concepts liberalism provides the most solid basis for a healthy society. Liberals typically believe that human nature, as a whole, is independent, self-interested, and rational. A conservative may mistake society’s value in self-interest as greed because they believe that people are born greedy. However, self-interest is not necessarily a negative aspect in a society. Self-interest promotes responsibility and personal motivation. People who are self-interested can still be charitable and care for others. A communitarian might agree with this to the extent that humans are rational and reasoning, which helps us overcome greed, although, communitarians believe that our society is driven by greed and selfishness and that with this independence we can not truly work toward the common good. Liberals would disagree with this because people cannot sincerely achieve happiness for themselves or their families if the needs and wants of the majority of society are not met. Another disputed concept of liberalism is the pursuit of freedom. Liberals believe that people should have few constraints and the government should be limited to protecting property, preventing harm, and ensuring security for all people. People