Classical liberalism
Also called: Laissez-faire liberalism · Topic: Political Theory: Freedom and Rights · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Freedom"; Class 11, Ch 10 "The Philosophy of the Constitution"
Meaning
Classical liberalism is the early form of liberalism, linked to Locke, Adam Smith (Wealth of Nations, 1776) and Mill. It puts individual rights and freedoms above claims of social justice and community values. It favoured the free market and a minimal state. It matters for India because the Constitution's liberalism deliberately departs from this model.
Example
India's Constitution links liberty to social justice, for example through reservations for disadvantaged groups. It also protects communities through minority rights. A strict classical liberal would see both as limits on individual freedom.
Don't confuse with
- Libertarianism (Nozick, 1974): this goes further and wants only a "night-watchman" state that protects against force, theft and fraud. It compares redistributive tax to forced labour.
- Modern liberalism: this keeps the focus on the individual but accepts the welfare state.