ABSTRACT
The Classical Liberalism of Robert Nozick is compared with the Progressive Liberalism of John Rawls on contrasting visions of the ideal state. It is a vision of the state committed to a minimal role for government in favour of the liberalization of markets versus a vision of strong state involvement to guarantee equality of opportunity and the conditions required for trust in the marketplace and enhancing social capital.
The argument is made that a sustainable future built on the economic model of Natural Capitalism will require a coordinated global response, and this, in turn, will require the participation of nation state governments and their citizens everywhere. Expecting the participation of citizens coalesced under a unified purpose will require the social trust that is possible only under conditions of a Progressive Liberalism resembling Rawls’s vision. The increasing role of government argued for is careful and sensible regulation of the markets to avoid market failures and fiscal policies that have the effect of directing resources to new and sustainable practices while discouraging unsustainable practices. This adaptation of Progressive Liberalism must take place within the context of a frank and honest appraisal of our present historical situation.
