•

21 Dec 2025

•

1 page

Easy Guide to Liberalism: Principles, Key Thinkers like John Stuart Mill and John Maynard Keynes

Jannaht F. Rahman

@jannahtf.rahman_yvra

John Stuart Mill's liberalism and the evolution of liberal thought... Show more

core prhapes Woeral democracy, freedom, Individuauóm,
Rantonalism, equally, wrerance, state, secitery.

Modern liberalism
19th-20th century.

John Stuart Mill and the Evolution of Liberal Thought

John Stuart Mill's contributions to liberalism ideology marked a significant shift in liberal thinking during the 19th and 20th centuries. His work expanded on classical liberal ideas, introducing concepts that would form the foundation of modern liberalism.

Mill's harm principle is a cornerstone of his philosophy, asserting that individual actions should only be limited if they harm others. This principle clarifies the concept of tolerance in a liberal society, distinguishing between self-regarding actions and those that affect others.

Definition: The harm principle states that individuals should have the freedom to act as they wish, unless their actions harm others.

Mill's emphasis on individuality and developmental individualism reflects his belief in ongoing human improvement. He argued that people need both negative freedom (freedom from interference) and positive freedom (freedom to achieve goals) to fully develop as individuals.

Highlight: Mill's concept of developmental individualism promotes actions that foster "higher pleasures," helping individuals grow and develop.

The transition from classical to modern liberalism is evident in Mill's advocacy for an enabling state. He believed that the state could promote individual development by ensuring all citizens have access to enabling conditions, such as education and economic opportunities.

Example: Modern liberalism supports government intervention in the economy, as seen in Keynesian economics, which proposes that governments can manage demand to avoid recessions.

Mill's ideas influenced later liberal thinkers, including John Rawls, who argued for greater social and economic equality. Rawls' concept of "justice as fairness" proposed that inequality is only justifiable if it benefits the poorest in society.

Quote: "The original position" and "veil of ignorance" are key concepts in Rawls' theory, suggesting that fair societal rules would be created if individuals didn't know their place in society.

This page provides a comprehensive overview of the main principles of liberalism in international relations and politics, showcasing the evolution from classical to modern liberal thought and its ongoing impact on society and economics.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in Politics

UK Democracy & Rights Overview

Explore the key concepts of UK democracy and political participation in this comprehensive mind map. Covering topics such as voting rights, pressure groups, civil rights, and the evolution of suffrage, this resource is essential for AS/A Level UK Politics students preparing for Paper 1. Understand the dynamics of pluralist democracy and the role of interest groups in shaping public policy.

Politics

Conservatism: Key Thinkers & Ideas

Explore the core principles of Conservatism as a political ideology, focusing on influential thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, Edmund Burke, and Robert Nozick. This summary covers essential concepts such as human nature, social contract theory, and the role of the state, providing a comprehensive overview for Edexcel A Level Politics Paper 1. Ideal for students seeking to understand the nuances of conservative thought and its historical context.

Politics

Socialism: Key Thinkers & Concepts

Explore the essential elements of Socialism as a political ideology, including key thinkers like Karl Marx and Rosa Luxemburg, core concepts such as class struggle and welfare state, and the tensions within socialist thought. This summary is tailored for Edexcel A Level Paper 1, providing a comprehensive overview for students seeking to understand the complexities of socialism.

Politics

Nationalism and Political Dynamics

Explore the complexities of nationalism and its impact on political structures in the UK. This comprehensive study note covers key concepts such as liberal nationalism, conservative nationalism, and the role of the House of Lords in shaping legislation. Ideal for Edexcel A-Level Politics students, this resource provides detailed essay plans and critical evaluations of nationalism's influence on governance and society. Enhance your understanding of how nationalism interacts with parliamentary functions and the implications for democracy.

Politics

Liberalism: Key Thinkers & Concepts

Politics

UK Constitutional Reforms Overview

Explore the key aspects of the UK Constitution and recent constitutional reforms in this comprehensive revision module for AS/A Level UK Politics. This resource covers parliamentary powers, devolution, Brexit implications, and theories of democracy, providing a clear understanding of the evolving UK political landscape.

Politics

Every single a level politics paper 1 9 marker

A Level politics UK politics paper 1

Politics

Comparative Analysis: UK & US Constitutions

Explore the key differences and similarities between the UK and US constitutions in this A Level Politics study note. Understand the nature, sources, and implications of each constitution, including their impact on political systems, rights protection, and the processes of governance. Ideal for students preparing for comparative politics assessments.

Politics

UK Electoral Systems Overview

Explore the key electoral systems in the UK, including First-Past-The-Post (FPTP), Additional Member System (AMS), Single Transferable Vote (STV), and the referendum process. This concise summary is designed for AS/A Level UK Politics students, providing essential insights into how these systems impact representation and governance.

Politics

Most popular content

An Inspector Calls: Character Insights

Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.

English Literature

aqa higher tier combined science - biology b1 : cell biology, paper 1

b1: cell biology - paper 1

Biology

Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision

Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.

Sociology

Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview

Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.

Sociology

Sociology of Education Overview

Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.

Sociology

Criminal Justice Evidence Rules

Explore the essential rules governing the use of evidence in criminal cases, including reliability, admissibility, and relevance. This summary covers key concepts such as the roles of personnel in investigations, the impact of witness testimonies, and the implications of plea bargaining. Ideal for Year 13 criminology students preparing for assessments.

Criminology

Biology Paper 1 Overview

Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in cellular biology, human digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and the circulatory system. This resource includes detailed explanations of cell structures, enzyme functions, nutrient absorption, and the impact of environmental factors on biological processes. Ideal for students preparing for Biology Paper 1 exams.

Biology

Language Paper 1 Strategies

Master the AQA English Language Paper 1 with this comprehensive guide. Explore key strategies for language and structural analysis, critical evaluation, and creative writing. Learn how to effectively analyze texts, utilize literary techniques, and enhance your writing skills to excel in your exams.

English Language

Power & Conflict Poetry Analysis

Explore in-depth analyses of key poems for GCSE English Literature, including Ozymandias, Storm on the Island, London, My Last Duchess, and more. This resource covers themes, structure, and key quotes to enhance your understanding of war and conflict in poetry. Ideal for exam preparation and comparative studies.

English Literature

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Politics

•

356

•

21 Dec 2025

•

1 page

Easy Guide to Liberalism: Principles, Key Thinkers like John Stuart Mill and John Maynard Keynes

Jannaht F. Rahman

@jannahtf.rahman_yvra

John Stuart Mill's liberalism and the evolution of liberal thought are explored in this comprehensive overview. Principles of liberalism are discussed, highlighting the transition from classical to modern liberalism and its impact on society and economics.

Key points:

Mill's contributions... Show more

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

John Stuart Mill and the Evolution of Liberal Thought

Definition: The harm principle states that individuals should have the freedom to act as they wish, unless their actions harm others.

Highlight: Mill's concept of developmental individualism promotes actions that foster "higher pleasures," helping individuals grow and develop.

Example: Modern liberalism supports government intervention in the economy, as seen in Keynesian economics, which proposes that governments can manage demand to avoid recessions.

Quote: "The original position" and "veil of ignorance" are key concepts in Rawls' theory, suggesting that fair societal rules would be created if individuals didn't know their place in society.