Liberalism: A Primer

Written in accessible style, the Primer enables the reader to quickly appreciate the basic concepts and principles of liberalism. It is also available in Filipino and Cebuano.

Please e-mail your name and address to liberal@fnst.org if you wish to receive a free copy of this book.

Table of Contents

THE LIBERAL PHILISOPHY

What is liberalism?
What is the origin of the liberal movement?
What is the liberal view of the individual and the society?
What is the fundamental liberal principle?
What are the core liberal values?
What is an ideology?
How is liberalism different from other ideologies?
What are the major ideological formations in the Philippines?

THE POLITICAL DIMENSIONS OF LIBERALISM

What is the liberal attitude towards democracy?
What is liberal democracy?
What are the core features of a liberal democratic regime?
What is illiberal democracy?
What is the meaning and importance of the rule of law?
What is the difference between "law and order" and "rule of law?"
What is good governance?
Why do liberals give utmost importance to human rights?
What is the liberal view on decentralization?

THE ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF LIBERALISM

What is the liberal view of property and market?
What is the relationship between economic liberties and free market?
Why is the market the best gauge of economic activity?
How does free market benefit the consumers?
Why is liberty the best remedy against poverty?
What is the relationship between private property rights and individual liberty?

THE SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF LIBERALISM

What is the social dimension of liberalism?
What is the social function of markets?
What is civil liberty?
What is social liberty?
Is liberalism compatible with Asian values?

REFERENCES