Classical and Contemporary Liberalism
The purpose of this essay will be to examine the political doctrines of John Locke and John Stuart Mill along with the economic views of Adam Smith and John Maynard Keynes in order to discuss the differences and similarities between classical and contemporary liberalism. ... As a classical liberal, Locke felt that everyone was free, rational, and equal, and that people act only according to their own consent and are not commanded by a higher authority. ... However, a more contemporary philosopher, John Stuart Mill, disagreed with Locke. ... In conclusion, although Locke, Mill, Smith and Keynes all share similarities and differences, both the classical and contemporary liberals all agree a democratic government where society regulates the control a government has over society.