Critically compare and contrast the arguments of classical and modern Essay

Critically compare and contrast the arguments of classical and modern liberals regarding the role of the state - Essay Example Upholding individual rights and ensuring equality of opportunity are considered to be better than theocratic rules, absolutism and totalitarianism. This ideology arose in the Age of Enlightenment; out of dissatisfaction with the interference of the Church and â€Å"the comprehensive political control and regulation of economic affairs† (Balaam, 2007:7) that prevailed. A liberal state neither seeks to resolve the conflicts of people on various matters of faith and life, nor interfere in the market economy. Instead, it â€Å"provides a neutral framework within which citizens can pursue their diverse conceptions of the good life† (Honderich, 1995: 483) and live together. Classical liberals favour religious tolerance over a religious monopoly. All liberals seek â€Å"the best form of government which will permit the individual to pursue life as he or she sees fit† (IEP, 2006). Liberal ideas now dominate many parts of the world. The USA was founded on the very principles of liberty, freedom and equality. Freedom is considered an ideal, which is only possible if people are allowed to be autonomous. The value of freedom â€Å"has its roots not only in Rousseau’s and Kant’s political theory, but also in John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty†¦ [and is still] a dominant strain in liberalism† (SEP, 2007). Liberalism prefers a limited role of the state because the state is perceived to be abusive of individual liberties, which leads to tensions between the individual and the state. Liberals believe that the tasks performed by the government must be limited to â€Å"tasks that individuals cannot perform by themselves, such as establish a basic legal system, assure national defence, and coin money† (Balaam, 2007: 50). Adam Smith, concerned with state interference in the market system, was a proponent of this view when he stated that the government’s role should be restricted to only doing work that private