Philosophy › Section K · Political philosophy › Topic K.5

Conservatism, liberalism, and liberty

How far may a government limit what you say, eat or do with your life, and how quickly should a society change its institutions? Liberalism and conservatism give rival answers, each with a serious case and serious critics.

In this topic

  • Ideologies, not party labels
  • Rights
  • Liberalism's core
  • Mill's harm principle
  • Paternalism and nudges
  • Two concepts of liberty
  • Worked example: a tax on sugary drinks
  • Burke and conservatism
  • Conservatism and its critics
  • Worked example: a radical school reform
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • Key takeaways

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