ˈlib(ə)rəˌlizəm noun
( -s )
1. : the quality or state of being liberal: as
a. : lack of strictness or rigor
treats his children with a certain liberalism
b. : broad-mindedness , open-mindedness
an outlook marked by liberalism and tolerance
2. : principles, theories, or actions that are liberal: as
a. often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity
nineteenth century Liberalism … introduced historical method in the interpretation of the gospels — C.H.Moehlman
— compare fundamentalism , modernism
b. : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint especially by government regulation in all economic activity and usually based upon free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard
the decline of mercantilism produced a period characterized notably by the ideas and policy of liberalism
— called also economic liberalism ; compare capitalism , collectivism , free enterprise , individualism , laissez-faire , mercantilism , socialism
c. : a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of man, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for tolerance and freedom for the individual from arbitrary authority in all spheres of life especially by the protection of political and civil liberties and for government under law with the consent of the governed
the touchstone that enables us to recognize liberalism is the question of toleration — M.R.Cohen
the classic liberalism … derived from French rationalism and Benthamite utilitarianism — C.H.Driver
liberalism had always claimed to stand for the greatest social good — G.H.Sabine
— compare catholicism 4, communism 2, conservatism 1b, fascism 2a, individualism , socialism
d. usually capitalized : the principles or policies of a Liberal party
the individualism of British Liberalism — L.D.Epstein
nonconformist religion … was traditionally associated with political Liberalism — G.D.H.Cole
e. : an attitude or philosophy favoring individual freedom for self-development and self-expression
a positive and noble impulse … of intellectual liberalism was its immanent zeal for truth — F.C.Sell