Definition of liberalism
- a political philosophy based on belief in progress and stressing the essential goodness of the human race, freedom for the individual from arbitrary authority, and protection and promotion of political and civil liberties
- such a philosophy calling for the government to play a crucial role in relieving social inequities (such as those involving race, gender, or class) and in protecting the environment
Usage examples of liberalism
Her account of liberalism emphasized civil liberties and government action to reduce social inequities.
The lecture compared liberalism with political traditions that give the state a more limited role.
In that context, liberalism included environmental protection as well as individual rights.