Classical Liberal Vs Modern Liberal

A Classical Liberal would fall in line with the negative definition of liberty. This describes the absence of obstructions to liberty and is the justification for limiting governmental interference. A modern liberal promotes positive liberty which describes a state of unhindered ability to pursue your goals and desires. Positive liberty justifies State intervention to alleviate barriers such as poverty. A classical liberal would assert that the impoverished are free because of the absence of imposed obstruction, they are free to spend their money as they please, but they choose to be prudent. A modern liberal would argue that poverty is a barrier to freedom in itself, and measure should be taken to alleviate the impoverished condition.

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