§ Cell № 61 of 81
Row 7, Col 7
Economic: Capitalist
Governance: Democratic
Coords: X+2 · Y-2
Economic: Capitalist
Governance: Democratic
Coords: X+2 · Y-2
Descriptor
Classical
Liberal
“19th-century market liberalism.”
Exemplar ↓
§ 01
The Idea
What Classical Liberal actually means.
Classical Liberalism emphasizes individual liberty, private property, and minimal government, focusing on free markets and democratic governance.
John Locke laid the philosophical foundation for Classical Liberalism, emphasizing natural rights, limited government, and the rule of law. His 'Two Treatises of Government' argued that political authority derives from the consent of the governed and that individuals have the right to overthrow oppressive rulers.
§ 02 · Tenets
Core commitments.
01
Strict limits on government economic intervention.
02
Free trade and sound money.
03
Constitutional protection of property rights.
04
Equal civil and political rights under law.
05
Skepticism of war and standing armies.
§ 03 · Position
Where it sits on the grid.
Economic axis — X+2
CAPITALIST
Full collectivisationUnfettered markets
Governance axis — Y-2
DEMOCRATIC
Total controlNo state at all
§ 04 · Reading List
Canon & critics.
§ Canon
- On LibertyJohn Stuart Mill1859 · ~140 pp
- The Wealth of NationsAdam Smith1776 · ~950 pp
- Principles of Political EconomyJohn Stuart Mill1848 · ~970 pp
§ Critics
- Conditions of the Working Class in EnglandFriedrich Engels1845 · ~330 pp
§ Next