Classical Liberalism: Some Historical Influences from Religion and Natural Law

Abstract

This chapter surveys some intellectual influences of religion--especially Protestantism--and early modern discourses in natural law on the formation of classical liberal thought. A brief historical account is given of the rise of the first mode of political thinking to be called "liberal" in English, followed by a sketch of classical liberal sensibilities and orientations. Theological influences on the classical liberal notion of equality are treated, followed by discussions of justice and liberty, in which the role of Grotian natural law features. A final section mentions the role of political economy. Major figures discussed include Grotius, Hobbes, Locke, Hutcheson, Smith, Hume, Burke, Constant, and Acton.

Keywords: history of classical liberalism, religion, natural law, theology, Protestantism