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570. Exploring the History of Liberalism as a Word and Concept feat. Helena Rosenblatt

Jul 25, 2025
Helena Rosenblatt is a professor at CUNY and an author specializing in liberalism's history. She dives into the shifting meanings of liberalism, discussing its evolution from character-driven concepts to modern rights-focused interpretations. Helena highlights the historical tension between liberalism and religion, and the impact of civic education on democracy. She emphasizes the need for rethinking liberal values in contemporary society, addressing influences from historical thinkers and the dangers of consumerism on citizenship.
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INSIGHT

Liberalism Started as Character

  • The term liberal originally referred to personal character traits like freedom and generosity, not political systems.
  • It described noble citizens who were freedom-loving and generous, opposing selfishness and materialism.
INSIGHT

Liberal Arts and Citizenship

  • Liberal arts education historically aimed to form citizens with civic virtues and character.
  • Today's decline in liberal arts reflects a loss in fostering civic engagement and qualities of good citizenship.
INSIGHT

Shift from Character to Permissiveness

  • Modern liberalism often emphasizes permissiveness and individual choice rather than moral character.
  • This shift has reduced discussion of citizenship qualities among contemporary liberals.
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