Individualism points toward limited government, faith in economic markets, and a strong emphasis on
positive liberty.
negative liberty.
a mixture of positive and negative liberty.
none of the above
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is negative liberty.
Individualism emphasizes personal freedom and autonomy, often advocating for limited government interference in people’s lives. This philosophy supports the idea that individuals should have the right to act as they wish, as long as their actions do not infringe upon the rights of others. In this context, individualism is most closely aligned with negative liberty, which refers to the absence of external constraints on individual actions. Negative liberty is about freedom from interference, where the government or other entities do not impose restrictions on personal choices.
In contrast, positive liberty involves the notion that individuals require certain resources or conditions to achieve their full potential. This might include access to education, healthcare, or other societal supports, which can require government intervention. Positive liberty, therefore, would not align as closely with individualism, which tends to prefer minimal government involvement.
When it comes to economic markets, individualism also tends to favor free-market capitalism, where the government’s role is limited to protecting property rights and enforcing contracts, rather than intervening in the marketplace. The belief is that the forces of supply and demand will best determine prices, wages, and the allocation of resources.
So, in essence, individualism aligns more with negative liberty because it emphasizes freedom from external interference, as opposed to positive liberty, which requires a more active role for the government in ensuring individual flourishing.