liberalism
lib.er.al.ism \'lib(-*)-r*-.liz-*m\ \-r*-l*st\ \.lib(-*)-r*-'lis-tik\ n 1: the quality or state of being liberal often cap 2a: a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity 2b: a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usu. based upon free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard 2c: a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodn ess of man, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties cap 2d: the principles or policies of a Liberal party - lib.er.al.ist nor ;aj
Webster's English Dictionary