서구 자유주의의 기원과 특성1) = On Western Liberalism

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This paper attempts to trace the origin of western liberalism while elaborating the difficulties with regard to the definition of the concept. The author of this paper takes a critical stance vis-a-vis common understanding on western liberalism. Not a few thinkers argue that liberalism is nothing but a mouthpiece of capitalism. This paper asks them to recall several ``social liberals`` including John Stuart Mill and Hobhouse who are willing to dispense with capitalism. This paper also does not agree with some liberals who try to reduce democracy so as to prevent the rise of “illiberal democracy”. They should recognize that liberalism cannot flourish without the being of democracy.