please guys gimme a definition of "radical". what are the differences between a radical and a liberal. bye!

Answer 1

"Radical" is usually an adjective meaning "extreme," which can apply to politics, action sports, or anything else.

I believe the polical meaning of 'radical' refers to a tendency towards revolutionary thought and policy. That is to say that an individual or group's ideology and policies are 'radical' to the degree to which they depart from a middle, mainstream, or centrist position. So a "Radical" (noun) would be someone who's far from the mainstream on either the left or the right. A "Radical" would also likely try and make large changes take place instantly or in a very short period of time, as in a revolution.

Today the simplest definition of the term "liberal" refers to people whose ideologies and policies are to the left of the political center. The term "conservative" covers those to the right of the political center. These terms are relative since the 'center' can change. At this point in America's history the center is further to the right than it has been in several decades. Most of the rest of the world, particularly Europe, has a center that is further to the left.

Since the political center is not static all these terms are relative. People who tell you differently are either unfamiliar with history or ideologues (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/ideologue ).

Just like with Liberal or Conservative, the relative good or bad associated with being a 'Radical' depends on historical context and your point of view. Our Founding Fathers were 'Radicals,' as were American civil rights pioneers, the Bolsheviks (communists) of the Russian Revolution, Gandhi, the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, and abolitionists, prohibitionists, and suffragettes.

The term 'Radical' has a negative connotation but that can hardly be surprising since it implies jarring, large-scale change.

Wikipedia has articles on Liberalism, Conservatism, and the Right/Left political continuum. I'd recommend you read them and decide for yourself what you like and don't from either philosophy rather than listening to people who claim one side or another is all good or bad. It's also good to remember that many people have liberal or conservative views on different topics.

Even though I consider myself Liberal I believe there are good points to traditional Conservatism and that the struggle and compromise between the two sides is good and healthy. Only "radicals" and ideologues will tell you that one end or the other is completely good or evil in all respects. If either side's concerns or thinking is taken to an extreme at the expense of the other you end up with tyranny (Right-->Fascism, Left-->Communism).

Answer 2

A radical can be an extremist of the left or of the right. A liberal is left only. Conservatives want you to believe that all Democrats are liberals and all liberals are radicals....that way no one will vote for Dems. It's all about framing the debate.

Answer 3

"Radical" = Departing markedly from the usual or customary.

There are liberals, & there are radical liberals, just as there are conservatives & there are radical conservatives.

What is considered "usual" has changed, therefore what is considered "radical" has changed, too. Gay marriage would be a radically liberal concept just 20 years ago. Now, it's just "liberal."

This definition doesn't address what is right or wrong, just what is "usual."

100 years ago, acceptance of bi-racial marriage would be a radical concept. Obviously, that was the correct position then as is now.

Answer 4

BIG difference there. Radical simply means extreme. Liberal means progressive. Conservative means the opposite. You can be radical on any issue or view. The Radical Right is ultra-conservative.

Answer 5

Radicals think there are two ways to answer any question/problem. The right way and the wrong way. So you can not be partially right. Radicals are extremists. Liberals might be considered radicals on one end of a spectrum that radicals do not think exists.

Answer 6

Radical is a far leftist or a extreme right winger; radical is an adjective and thus describes the type of "out there" beliefs that one holds.

Answer 7

A radical is a person who has radical ideas or opinions and a liberal is a person tolerant of change; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or tradition.

Answer 8

Ya, you better run.