Critical
Thinking

A person's philosophy of government is based on personality:

  1. Am I a capable person or am I constantly likely to fail?
  2. If I am competent I don't want people stealing what I create. (economic liberty)
    If I am likely to fail I want other people to constantly provide a safety net. (economic intervention)
  3. Can I work and live with other people or are they not to be trusted?
  4. If I can work and live with other people I want to be left alone to our chosen life. (individual liberties)
    If other people are not to be trusted I want someone to patrol them. (individual control)
  progressive liberal libertarian conservative
economic intervention + + - -
individual liberties + - + -