I'm not sure which definition you're using. Historically, liberalism comes from the Spanish "liberales," and is etymologically related to "liberty." The term referred to a specific outlook, not to generalized willingness to accept new ideas.
The modern political notion of "liberal" refers to those who are irrevocably wedded to the idea that broad government powers are the solution to virtually all problems; modern-day "liberals" stick to this idea at all costs, and willingness to consider new ideas is far removed from their thinking.
It's that very unwillingness to deviate from their dogmas which leads to defining one terms so as to turn one's premises into tautologies.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2007-09-12 11:07 pm (UTC)The modern political notion of "liberal" refers to those who are irrevocably wedded to the idea that broad government powers are the solution to virtually all problems; modern-day "liberals" stick to this idea at all costs, and willingness to consider new ideas is far removed from their thinking.
It's that very unwillingness to deviate from their dogmas which leads to defining one terms so as to turn one's premises into tautologies.