Jeffersons Classical Liberalism 6 Elements
... Jefferson and his allies were classical liberals, while his opponents were conservatives. ... Classical liberalism is “an array of beliefs and values the emerged in about the 16th century after the breakdown of feudalism, emphasizing individual rights and liberties, social progress, human reason, and scientific inquiry; “classical” denotes links to classical Athenian roots and differentiates it from the “modern” liberalism of the 20th century.” The six elements that are important to classical liberalism are faith in reason, natural law, republican virtue, progress, nationalism, and freedom. Reason is the first element in liberalism. Classical liberalism believed human reason is the most wanted guide in the world. ... Something funny about Jefferson’s comment about reason being the daughter of science was that classical liberals didn’t believe in the ability of women to reason like men could. ... The second element of classical liberalism is natural law. ... ” The third element in liberalism is Republican virtue. ... Classical liberals have faith in the perfectibility of the individual, which can be achieved through virtue and reason. ... Classical liberals were devoted to reason and natural law, but at the same time pushed virtue through piety and faith in God. ... Progress is the fourth element in liberalism. ... Classical liberals believed that society would progress with human reason, natural law, and “natural rights” of individuals. ... I believe that a person can be progressive through education The fifth element in liberalism is Nationalism. ... Classical liberal nationalism was personified in national policies in defense, trade, and the acquisition of new land to the south and west. Classical liberal balanced the unbalanced nationalism and freedom.