Liberalism

• DOI: 10.1177/106591294800100309
• Author: Boyd A. Martin
• Published date: 01 September 1948
• Date: 01 September 1948
• Subject Matter: Articles

LIBERALISM
by
BOYD A. MARTIN
University
of Idaho
Although not a political theorist, the writer is disturbed by the use of
the term liberal in contemporary domestic and international conflicts. One
finds the term employed to defend everything from classical economics to
the Soviet interpretation of Communism. Locally, Communists pose as
liberals as do Democrats and Republicans. Many contemporary events,
caused by a multiplicity of cross interests and national ambitions, add to
the confusion, as for example, support by the United States of anti-demo-
cratic powers. Too many attempts are being made to convince men that
they must choose between two alternatives: Communism and a new Fascism
led by the Western World. In the writer’s opinion liberalism is a third
and proper alternative.
Liberalism has had many different meanings under different circum-
stances. At different times it has sought, for example, to protect the right
to acquire property, to shield the individual against tyranny, to establish
the doctrine of inherent rights of men, to organize a world market, or to
create individualism.’ In most instances, however, the needs of the time
determine the role of liberalism. Fundamentally, liberalism defends and pro-
tects the rights of men regardless of time or conditions.
Liberalism is both an end and a means. It is an end in that it has faith
and belief in the value of the human personality. It accepts the contention
that progress lies in the free exercise, so far as such freedom does no injury
to others, of individual energy.2 To increase personal, civil, social and eco-
nomic liberty of the individual, has been a major tenant of liberalism.3 The
concept of liberty, to the modern liberal, has a broad interpretation, perhaps
best expressed by Sir William Beveridge. When speaking before the Liberal
Assembly, he said:
Liberty means more than freedom from the arbitrary power of Governments.
It means freedom from economic servitude to Want and Squalor and other
social...