Key Concepts of Individualism in Liberalism

Definition of Individualism

• Core Concept: Central to liberalism, influencing other concepts within it.
• Supreme Importance: Emphasizes individuals' rights and needs over collective groups.
• Voluntary Association: As per Locke, society is an aggregation of individuals joining in a social contract for mutual benefit.

Contrast with Collectivism

• Collectivism: Present in socialism, traditional conservatism, Islamic, and Confucian ideas.
  • Individual is subsumed within the collective (nation, class, family).
• Historical Context: Different from feudal societies where individuals were part of a station.

Enlightenment Influence

• Anti-Discrimination: Individual importance promotes anti-slavery, anti-imperialism, anti-racism, and anti-homophobia.
• Kant's Philosophy: Enlightenment philosopher arguing individuals are ends in themselves, emphasizing dignity and worth.

Classical Liberalism

• Human Rights: Locke emphasized universal human rights, protecting life, health, liberty, and possessions.
• Self-Interest Maximization: Classical liberals focus on individuals maximizing self-interest and happiness.
• Egoistical Individualism: Focus on self-reliant, utility-maximizing individuals (atomism).

Criticism and Minimal State

• Criticism: Some political thinkers dispute individualism.
• Minimal State: Preference for less governmental control over individual interests.
• "Nanny State": Neo-liberals criticize government interference in personal choices (diet, lifestyle).

Modern Individualism

• Developmental Individualism: 20th-century concept emphasizing personal development and human flourishing.
  • Aristotelian Influence: Pursuing personal best within a free society.