There are huge differences between classical and modern liberalism and as a result classical liberals believe that modern liberals have not stayed true to initial ideas posed by the likes of John Locke given that modern liberals have embraced collectivism while classical liberals favoured pure individualism. But they are fundamentally both forms of liberalism so are united in their belief of freedom and rights of the individual but they have slightly different views on the type of freedom they support.
Classical liberalism has a belief in utilitarianism first posed by Jeremy Bentham, this is where individuals make tiny calculations about whether their actions will ‘maximise pleasure or minimise pain’. This is an egotistical form of individualism that assumes individuals are motivated by self-interest. Modern liberals do not share this view as they see it as a flawed method. This view of classical liberalism was opposite to that of paternalistic conservatism, who believe that the state can make the best decisions for the individual whereas classical liberals such as Bentham believed individuals knew what was best for themselves and thus can have the responsibility and freedom to act as they choose. This means that because the likes of Locke and Bentham prioritised the freedom and happiness of the individual, this leads classical liberals to a belief in negative freedom, which argues that there should be a removal of external restrictions from the individual. This is effectively any form of intervention by the state. John Locke believed therefore that only a minimal state should exist and he continued to push his belief that the individual has the right to ‘life, liberty and property’. Modern liberals differ as they do see the need for occasional state intervention but on the whole would agree with Locke’s views on rights. Classical Liberals are anti ideas from