There are two streams of liberalism :
- Traditional liberalism
- Modern liberalism.
Difference between Traditional liberalism and modern liberalism: Both the forms of liberalism – traditional and modern, think of the individual as the central point of the entire system. These thoughts regard an individual as the accomplishment and other organizations including the state as the means. Both, the freedom of an individual and his rights are at the topmost priority. The distinction between ancient and modern liberalism can be understood on the basis of the following points:
1. Difference on the basis of development:
The development of ancient liberalism took place in 16th to 18th century, whereas the development of modern liberalism is thought to be since 19th century till date.
2. Difference on the basis of reasons of their development:
At the back of the development of ancient liberalism, there are many reasons, including reaction against tyrannical monarchy, imperialism and populism, whereas the advent of modern liberalism took place in the form of reaction against capitalism and Marxism.
3. Difference on the basis of concept of the state:
Ancient liberalism regards the state as a necessary evil. In it, there has been a stress on negative role of a state for the protection of freedom of an individual, whereas the line of modern liberalism does not the regard state as a necessary evil. It considers it as a moral and welfare institution. In modern liberalism, the welfare of an individual, especially the welfare of a weak and person, considered mandatory for his freedom.
4. Difference on the basis of nature of state:
Traditional liberal thinkers have faith in non – interference of the state, whereas modern liberals believe in a moral and public welfare state.
5. Difference in the light of freedom:
Ancient liberalism supports unlimited freedom of an individual, whereas modern liberalism supports controlled freedom of an individual under the acknowledgment of social and state – related interests.
6. Difference in the light of rights:
Ancient liberalism assumes the rights of an individual as natural, whereas modern liberalism assumes them (rights) as having been provided and are to be controlled by the state.
7. Difference in respect of social and economical viewpoints:
Ancient liberalism accepts minimal role of a state in social and economic fields, whereas modern Liberalism accepts a wider and pervasive role of the state in socio – economic field.
8. Difference in viewpoints of main supporters:
In the development of ancient liberalism, Jeremy Bentham, Adam Smith, H. Spencer, John Locke, Ricardo, etc. played an instrumental role, whereas in the development of modern liberalism, John Stuart Mill, T.H. Green, L.T. Hobhouse, H. J. Laski and Maclver contributed in a big way.
