How was early liberalism characterised by C. B. Macpherson?

Correct option is A

CB. Macpherson characterized early liberalism as Possessive Liberalism. In his analysis, Macpherson argued that early liberalism was based on the notion of individuals as possessors of their own person and capacities, and it focused on protecting private property and individual rights. The term "possessive" highlights how early liberalism viewed human beings as primarily defined by their ownership of property and their pursuit of self-interest. This form of liberalism emphasized economic freedom and the protection of individual property over collective or social welfare.
Information Booster:
1. C. B. Macpherson was a Canadian political theorist known for his critique of liberalism, particularly in his work "The Political Theory of Possessive Individualism".
2. Possessive Individualism emphasizes the individual's right to control their own labor and the fruits of their labor, making them possessors of both themselves and their property.
3. Macpherson critiqued early liberalism for being too focused on property rights and self-interest, often at the expense of social justice.
4. Early liberalism developed during the 17th and 18th centuries, influenced by thinkers like John Locke, who emphasized property rights and individual freedom.
5. Macpherson’s critique highlighted the limitations of this liberalism, particularly in addressing social inequalities and the need for collective welfare.
6. Later forms of liberalism evolved to incorporate social welfare and more community-oriented perspectives, moving away from possessive individualism.