The definition "liberal" is most often used in one of two basic meanings. Liberals are representatives of a philosophical or political movement who defend the need for broad freedoms. The same term denotes those who are distinguished by great indulgence, leading to the connivance of those actions that require censure.
What does the word "liberal" mean?
The words "liberal" and "liberal" come from the Latin liberalis and literally mean "related to freedom." When it comes to a liberal as a supporter of a social and political movement, it is assumed that this person stands on a platform that welcomes the deepening and development of political freedoms in the broadest sense of the word. As a rule, liberal ideology unites supporters of democratic parliamentarism, as well as those who stand for freedom of private business.
In everyday life, the label “liberal” is most often received by those who show unnecessary and inappropriate tolerance for other people's behavior that violates generally accepted norms and rules. It is believed, for example, that excessive liberalism in the upbringing of the younger generation negatively affects the formation of a teenager's personality. Often members of the public demand an end to the liberalism of the authorities in relation to criminals and persistent violators of social norms.
Liberalism in politics
Who can be classified as liberals in the field of political activity? We are talking about public figures who support and fully approve of the idea of limiting any interference of state structures in social relations. The main principles of the liberal value system were formed at a time when bourgeois relations based on free enterprise were emerging and strengthening in society.
The Liberal considers personal, economic and political freedom to be the highest priority in public and political life. For a liberal, the rights of a citizen and his freedoms become a kind of basis and starting point for the formation of a political position. According to liberal politicians, it is the free development of any social relations that makes it possible to build a truly democratic state.
Liberal democracy is becoming the ideal of many Western politicians. However, today little remains of the former free-thinking and free-thinking in it. The main emphasis of Western liberal democrats is not so much on expanding the real freedoms of citizens, as on the removal of restrictions that hinder the development of private entrepreneurship. Political scientists and sociologists note that the traditions of Western liberalism are penetrating ever deeper into the economy, politics and culture of developing countries.
