Striking a Balance: Prioritizing Liberty for the Betterment of Society
Essays are exercises in persuasive writing. In every academic and professional setting you may find yourself in, you will be expected to write (and speak) persuasively. Writing (and speaking) persuasively is a skill that you can develop and master. To master this skill, one must become adept at: stating clearly what position they want their reader (or listener) to adopt; using evidence confidently and convincingly to support that position; and drawing compelling conclusions from your evidence.
Your Essay: Final Assignment in this course is expected to address the following prompt:
The two chief values in modern political and economic thought are liberty and equality.
In general, one modern narrative places the value of individual liberty most highly, and argues that individual liberty is best promoted through some form of private property, and best protected through a government of limited and defined powers. The other modern narrative places the value of equality most highly and argues that equality is best promoted through the limitation or abolition of private property, and best established through a government possessing extensive and centralized powers. But both modern narratives recognize that liberty and equality will never be perfectly balanced; one value will always be dominant over the other.
Write an essay in which you explain why either liberty or equality should be the dominant value in modern politics. Do we better secure both values of liberty and equality by prioritizing liberty, or by prioritizing equality? What dangers might we foresee if we prioritize the wrong value?
Defend your response by drawing from our assigned primary and secondary sources, and by evaluating these arguments in light of Christian scripture and teaching.
Title: Striking a Balance: Prioritizing Liberty for the Betterment of Society
Introduction
In modern political and economic thought, the values of liberty and equality hold significant importance. However, it is widely acknowledged that achieving a perfect balance between the two is challenging. While both narratives acknowledge the importance of liberty and equality, prioritizing one over the other is necessary to establish a coherent and functional society. This essay will argue that prioritizing individual liberty as the dominant value in modern politics is crucial for securing both liberty and equality. By drawing from assigned sources, evaluating arguments in light of Christian scripture and teaching, and considering potential dangers of prioritizing the wrong value, it becomes evident that liberty provides the foundation upon which equality can flourish.
The Importance of Prioritizing Liberty
- Promotion of Individual Autonomy:Â Prioritizing individual liberty allows individuals to exercise their agency freely, fostering personal growth, creativity, and innovation. When individuals have the freedom to make choices based on their own values and preferences, they are more likely to pursue self-improvement and contribute positively to society.
- Protection against Government Overreach:Â Placing a higher emphasis on individual liberty necessitates a government with limited and defined powers. This ensures that government intervention does not encroach upon the rights and freedoms of individuals. A government restrained by clearly defined powers acts as a safeguard against potential abuses of authority, promoting a fair and just society.
- Economic Prosperity:Â Prioritizing liberty entails protecting private property rights, which are essential for economic growth. When individuals have the freedom to own and control their property, they are incentivized to invest, innovate, and engage in entrepreneurial activities. This fosters economic prosperity, job creation, and an overall improvement in the standard of living.
- Infringement on Individual Rights:Â Excessive focus on equality may result in government interventions that curtail individual liberties. Measures aimed at achieving equality of outcome often require extensive government control and redistribution, which can limit personal freedom and stifle individual initiative.
- Loss of Incentive and Innovation:Â Overemphasis on equality can discourage hard work, ambition, and innovation. When individuals are not rewarded for their efforts and achievements, motivation to excel diminishes. This can lead to a stagnant society with reduced economic growth and limited opportunities for advancement.
- Erosion of Personal Responsibility:Â Prioritizing equality may inadvertently foster a culture of dependency, where individuals rely heavily on the state for support. This undermines personal responsibility and self-reliance, hindering individuals from realizing their full potential.