The Viability of Liberalism

1. The Viability of Liberalism How do some contemporary issues raise questions about the viability of liberalism?

2. Ideological school of thought that challenges liberalism A movement that largely began as a reaction to modernism after the First and Second World Wars ‘Calls into question enlightenment values such as rationality, truth and progress arguing that these serve to secure modern capitalistic society by concealing or excluding any forces that might challenge its cultural dominance’ Michael Fegan Period that follows modernism – art, literature and philosophy (largely in Western societies) We are under a ‘veil of deceit’ hides alternative ways of thinking Post-modernism

3. There is no one set of dominate political and moral ideas Scepticism that there is progress and constant improvement in civilization Knowledge is relative and open to questioning and interpretation Many ways of knowing and perceiving the world – beyond the dominant views of liberal traditions Themes in post-modernist thinking

4. ‘There is no true reality in Western liberal culture. What we think of as reality is actually constructed for us by our culture and our media, and can be changed’ Just as the etch-a-sketch portrait can be changed, to create new versions of reality and truth. Etch-a-Sketch – French thinker Baudrillard

5. Challenges to liberalism • The act of challenging liberal values makes way for post modernism • Postmodernism asks the questions that need to be asked in any functioning liberal democracy • It contains the seeds of its own destruction

6. Extremism • Used to refer only to people in a pejorative sense • Those who are considered extremists by others do not consider themselves to be extremists – depends on one’s point of view • Refers to a belief system that is outside the mainstream spectrum of beliefs • May advocate actions that are considered morally or socially unacceptable • Example: violent targeting of innocent civilians • Sometimes mainstream absorbs extremist views • Eco-terrorists – defending principle or act of extremism? • Al-Qaeda – supporters agree it’s extreme – but justified due to systemic injustice JOHN CLEESE ON EXTREMISM: FUNNY

8. Extremism challenges liberalism • Challenges liberal beliefs accepted by the majority of the population • May create a response by government that limits the freedoms of society in general (FLQ - October Crisis 1970) • Challenge freedom of expression due to the nature of the comments made and actions taken by extremists • Economic forms: mass privatization, large cuts in spending, widespread government deregulation • Economic practices of communist countries during the Cold War were seen as extremist

9. What solutions to contemporary issues are supported by the principles of liberalism? Consumerism • Figure 12-5 and 12-6 - Page 417 • Promotes certain types of consumption • Widespread use of resources due to personal choices and actions – pursuing self-interest • Principles of liberalism – create disparity? • Should liberal governments do something to address this disparity? • Recycling fees – TV’s and computers • Liberal solution: rethink choices and actions to alter impact on others

10. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ29DQvopZo&feature=related • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLBE5QAYXp8

12. Unanticipated consequences of Liberalism • Colonization of Africa, Asia and South America • Consumers – greater access of goods (bananas, coffee, chocolate, silk and cotton) • Cheap labour – China, Japan, Korea and Mexico • Increased choice/inequitable distribution • Former colonies – debt and poverty • Treatment of people in colonies did not reflect liberal principles • Created conditions that support violence, illiberalism and terrorism

14. Environmental change and activism • GREENPEACE ON PARLIAMENT HILL http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/indepthanalysis/story/2009/12/08/national-theclimatequestion.html • Pressure for government intervention to reduce impact on the environment • Government policies and regulations to restrict individual control of resources • International agreements

15. Kyoto Protocol Reduce carbon emissions International cooperation National interests Individuals and groups within countries 1997 Agreement – example of how liberal democracies approach climate change Varying degrees of commitment Canada did not take measures to respect its ratification – has made very little progress Carbon tax? Cap and trade? Voices – Pages 426-427 Copenhagen Agreement http://www.cbc.ca/thenational/indepthanalysis/story/2009/12/08/national-theclimatequestion.html Kyoto and Copenhagen

16. China and India: Rapid modernization • http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-3714131876553067182&ei=dQwjS_eZMIeYqAPhhrRG&q=growing+economies+china+and+india&hl=en# • China – manufacturing centre • India – provides services (call centres, data processing operations) SEZ’s – new infrastructure and no tax zones • Downside – loss of farmland and traditional ways of life, exploitation of workers, environmental issues

17. Outbreak of disease on a global scale Rapidly spreading disease – borderless path of infection Black plague, Avian Flu, SARS, H1N1 Limit travel? Restrict visitors? Limit immigration? WHO – World Health Organization Should individual freedom be restricted by governments in dealing with pandemics? Pandemics