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'''Classical liberalism''' (also called '''laissez-faire liberalism''') is a term used to describe the following:

'''Classical liberalism''' (also called '''laissez-faire liberalism''') is a term used to describe the the philosophy developed by early liberals from the [[Enlightenment]] until [[John Stuart Mill]] as well as its revival in the 20th century by [[Friedrich Hayek]] and [[Milton Friedman]], among others. This contemporary restatement of classical liberalism is sometimes called "new liberalism" or "neo-liberalism"

* the philosophy developed by early liberals from the [[Enlightenment]] until [[John Stuart Mill]]

This political philosophy supports [[individual rights]] as pre-existing the state, and views the state as an entity which exists to protect those inherent rights. This can be ensured by a [[constitution]] or other such framework which protects individual autonomy and property from other individuals and governmental power (including economic power). The normative core of classical liberalism is the idea that in an environment of laissez-faire governance, a natural order of cooperation in exchanging goods and services emerges which satisfies human goals and desires.

* the philosophy developed by early liberals from the Age of Enlightenment until John Stuart Mill and revived in the 20th century by [[Friedrich Hayek]] and [[Milton Friedman]]. The contemporary restatement of classical liberalism is sometimes called "new liberalism" or "neo-liberalism"

==Change in meaning==

==Change in meaning==

The term "liberal" changed meaning in the 1930s. Since then Classical Liberals are called "Conservatives" or "Libertarians" in the United States; in the rest of the world, especially Europe and Japan, classical liberals are still called liberals.

In the United States, the term "liberal" has changed meaning since the 1930's following policies enacted by Democratic leaders such as Franklin Roosevelt. Since that time Classical Liberalism is more in line with conservative or libertarian politics and philosophy. In other parts of the world, particularly continental Europe and Japan, this view is still referred to as liberalism.

==History==

==History==

It is a blend of [[political liberalism]] and [[economic liberalism]] which is derived from Enlightenment thinkers such as as [[Thomas Hobbes]], [[John Locke]], [[Adam Smith]], [[Voltaire]], [[John Stuart Mill]], and [[Immanuel Kant]].

The substantial core of Classical liberalism has historically been a blend of [[political liberalism]] and [[economic liberalism]] derived from Enlightenment thinkers such as [[Thomas Hobbes]], [[John Locke]], [[Adam Smith]], [[Voltaire]], [[John Stuart Mill]], and [[Immanuel Kant]].

 

Many elements of this ideology developed in the 17th and 18th centuries, and it is often seen as being the natural ideology of the industrial revolution and its subsequent capitalist system. The early liberal figures now described as "classical liberals" rejected many foundational assumptions which dominated most earlier theories of government, such as the [[Divine Right of Kings]], hereditary status, and established religion and focuses on individual freedom, reason, justice and tolerance. Such thinkers and their ideas helped to inspire the American Revolution and French Revolution.

=="Classical"==

=="Classical"==

The qualification "classical" was applied in retrospect to distinguish the early 19th century laissez-faire form of liberalism from modern interventionist social liberalism. The terminology is most applicable in the United States, because modern American liberalism is closer identified with [[social democracy]].

The qualification "classical" was applied in retrospect to distinguish the early 19th century laissez-faire form of liberalism from modern interventionist social liberalism. The terminology is most applicable in the United States, because modern American liberalism is closer identified with [[social democracy]].

A '''classical liberal''' is someone who is [[liberal]] in the original sense of the word: namely, advocating personal freedom.

A ''classical liberal'' is someone who is [[liberal]] in the original sense of the word: namely, advocating personal freedom over the divine right of the state.

 

==Libertarianism==

==Libertarianism==

==See also==

==See also==

* [[Laissez faire]]

* [[Laissez faire]]

* [[British Liberalism]]

* [[British Liberalism]]