Contributions to liberal theory

This is an (partial) overview of individuals that contributed to the development of liberal theory on a worldwide scale and therefore are strongly associated with the liberal tradition and instrumental in the exposition of political liberalism as a philosophy. The contributors are listed in approximately chronological order, beginning from the roots of realism, rationalism and humanism in the Renaissance, all movements which were influential in the creation of what is thought of as liberal political theory. These include Desiderius Erasmus, Hugo Grotius and Baruch Spinoza through the Age of Reason's English philosopher John Locke and the Frenchman Voltaire and other philosophers of The Enlightenment. Liberalism as a specifically named ideology begins in the late 18th century as a movement towards self-government and away from aristocracy. It included the ideas of self-determination, the primacy of the individual and the nation, as opposed to the family and the state, as being the fundamental units of law, politics and economy.

Related Topics:
(partial) overview - Liberalism - Philosophy - Realism - Rationalism - Humanism - Renaissance - Desiderius Erasmus - Hugo Grotius - Baruch Spinoza - Age of Reason - English - John Locke - Frenchman - Voltaire - The Enlightenment - 18th century - Aristocracy

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Since then liberalism has broaded to include a wide range of approaches from Americans Ronald Dworkin, Richard Rorty and Francis Fukuyama as well as the Indian Amartya Sen, the Peruvian Hernando do Soto and the Belgian Dirk Verhofstadt. Some of these people moved away from liberalism, while others espoused other ideologies before turning to liberalism. There are many different views of what constitute liberalism, and some liberals would feel that some of the people on this list were not true liberals. It is intended to be suggestive rather than exhaustive. Theorist whose ideas were mainly typical for one country should be listed at that country section of liberalism worldwide. Generally only thinkers are listed, politicians are only listed when they beside their active political work also made substantial contributions to liberal theory.

Related Topics:
Americans - Ronald Dworkin - Richard Rorty - Francis Fukuyama - India - Amartya Sen - Peru - Hernando do Soto - Dirk Verhofstadt - Liberalism - Ideologies - Liberalism worldwide

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:It is the intention to add one or two lines of information on the theorists explaining why they are on the list with reference to the works important in this matter. More comprehensive articles can be found by clicking on the thinkers name.

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The list is divided in three sections:

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• Proto-liberal contributors
• From Locke to Mill
• Mill and further, the development of (international) liberalism=

The following people are included:

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Contributions to liberal theory: "Humanism" ►