Classical Liberalism and Libertarianism: is there a difference?

[StarryNightshade]

Is there any real difference between Classical Liberalism and modern day Libertarianism? On the surface level the more clear answer is no, but surely there must be differences between a political philosophy developed in the 18th century and one developed in the 20th?

Based on my limited knowledge, I can see 3 differences.

1.) Classical Liberalism is a lot more Utilitarian in nature.

2.) Classical Liberalism, in theory, has no issue with government intervention when it is needed. As opposed to the more cliched "No government intervention at all" that many modern Libertarians espouse.

3.) Classical Liberalism tends to focus more on human nature and individual rights. It does advocate economic freedom, and it is an integral part of the philosophy, but it is not the major focus.

Thoughts? Any of the aforementioned somewhat accurate? Or did I completely miss the mark?

 

[Sunstone]

Libertarianism is a big tent. Some libertarians are closer to Classical Liberalism than others. For instance, Libertarian Socialists are not all that close to Classical Liberalism in economic policies.

 

[StarryNightshade]

Libertarianism is a big tent. Some libertarians are closer to Classical Liberalism than others. For instance, Libertarian Socialists are not all that close to Classical Liberalism in economic policies.

That's very true. When I gave my cliched "No government intervention at all" example, I had folks like Ron Swanson in mind. Entirely stereotypical, but does exist nonetheless.

 

[Revoltingest]

Is there any real difference between Classical Liberalism and modern day Libertarianism? On the surface level the more clear answer is no, but surely there must be differences between a political philosophy developed in the 18th century and one developed in the 20th?

Based on my limited knowledge, I can see 3 differences.

1.) Classical Liberalism is a lot more Utilitarian in nature.

2.) Classical Liberalism, in theory, has no issue with government intervention when it is needed. As opposed to the more cliched "No government intervention at all" that many modern Libertarians espouse.

3.) Classical Liberalism tends to focus more on human nature and individual rights. It does advocate economic freedom, and it is an integral part of the philosophy, but it is not the major focus.

Thoughts? Any of the aforementioned somewhat accurate? Or did I completely miss the mark?

I use the terms pretty much interchangeably.
I'm sure it's not 100% correct, but it's useful.

Note that the RF definitions don't see it this way.
They equate classical liberalism with conservatism, not libertarianism.
http://www.religiousforums.com/threads/definitions-for-the-restricted-political-areas.165993/

 

[Laika]

Is there any real difference between Classical Liberalism and modern day Libertarianism? On the surface level the more clear answer is no, but surely there must be differences between a political philosophy developed in the 18th century and one developed in the 20th?

Based on my limited knowledge, I can see 3 differences.

1.) Classical Liberalism is a lot more Utilitarian in nature.

2.) Classical Liberalism, in theory, has no issue with government intervention when it is needed. As opposed to the more cliched "No government intervention at all" that many modern Libertarians espouse.

3.) Classical Liberalism tends to focus more on human nature and individual rights. It does advocate economic freedom, and it is an integral part of the philosophy, but it is not the major focus.

Thoughts? Any of the aforementioned somewhat accurate? Or did I completely miss the mark?

Libertarianism has some neo-Marxist undercurrents in thinking that economics determines politics and free markets produce free societies. Hayeks "The Road to Serfdom" echoes many Marxist critiques of (soviet) Socialism as a bureacratic and exploiting society. Classical Liberalism didn't have this issue because it took democratic socialism at face value and as compatible with Liberal societies, whereas libertarians typically use "socialism" to refer to everything they are against. Classical Liberalism was more tolerant and even sympathetic to the left, whereas Libertarianism is quite hostile in response to the "lessons of history".