#6501 - The Political Philosophy Of Liberalism - Australian Legal Foundations

THE POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY OF LIBERALISM * * Human rationality is the basis of liberalism and Australian law o critical reasoning premise a? reason a? conclusion Liberalism is a dominant ideology and underpins the o political system o economic system o legal system Liberalism: * An ideology and theory o of the modern State o based upon rationality and the individual * Power of the state must be limited * Power must be exercised arbitrarily * Fundamental individual rights o freedom o equality * Core themes of liberalism are: o Individualism o The Social Contract o Liberty o Equality o The Rule of Law o Rights and Utilitarianism Individualism: * Individual as the basic building block of society * Law should reflect and respect the individual PAGE 12