What Is American Liberalism?
In a country as diverse as the United States, many political ideologies exist. Although individuals may differ on certain issues, people usually fall into groups based on their philosophies. The most basic division lies between the Democratic and Republican parties. These parties represent liberal and conservative viewpoints, respectively. American liberalism prioritizes government action toward equality.
Members of the liberal school of thought typically adopt similar views on political issues. In general, they favor an egalitarian society that more evenly distributes wealth and opportunities. They believe that the government’s job includes abolishing social ills and injustices. For example, liberals usually support higher taxes on the …show more content…
Twentieth century American philosopher John Rawls popularized the modern version of liberalism centered around egalitarianism. Most notably, he introduced a thought experiment in which a person imagines him or herself as a conscious, intelligent being who has not yet been born. Participants then evaluate the world from behind a “veil of ignorance,” as Rawls put it, with no knowledge of their future circumstances in life. Nature and nurture alike influence someone to support this method of thinking. Such people possess personal morals that emphasize fairness for all and have a strong sense of empathy. They often become disillusioned with the rags to riches stories told in an attempt to cover up the staggering economic inequality that exists. These influences and others, from external and internal sources alike, cause people to have more liberal beliefs.
According to liberal ideology, the law must step in when necessary to defend citizens’ rights. Those rights include living in a fair society with equal opportunities. Supporters of this viewpoint, from great philosophers like John Rawls to the common American voter, share a concern for justice in their society. More than anything else, these people believe in the words of the founding fathers of the United States: all men are created
Members of the liberal school of thought typically adopt similar views on political issues. In general, they favor an egalitarian society that more evenly distributes wealth and opportunities. They believe that the government’s job includes abolishing social ills and injustices. For example, liberals usually support higher taxes on the …show more content…
Twentieth century American philosopher John Rawls popularized the modern version of liberalism centered around egalitarianism. Most notably, he introduced a thought experiment in which a person imagines him or herself as a conscious, intelligent being who has not yet been born. Participants then evaluate the world from behind a “veil of ignorance,” as Rawls put it, with no knowledge of their future circumstances in life. Nature and nurture alike influence someone to support this method of thinking. Such people possess personal morals that emphasize fairness for all and have a strong sense of empathy. They often become disillusioned with the rags to riches stories told in an attempt to cover up the staggering economic inequality that exists. These influences and others, from external and internal sources alike, cause people to have more liberal beliefs.
According to liberal ideology, the law must step in when necessary to defend citizens’ rights. Those rights include living in a fair society with equal opportunities. Supporters of this viewpoint, from great philosophers like John Rawls to the common American voter, share a concern for justice in their society. More than anything else, these people believe in the words of the founding fathers of the United States: all men are created