[Quiller]

It boils down what I once heard as being the difference between a liberal and a conservative.

As a conservative, you have to rationally consider the facts and apply some effort toward higher-order reasoning.

As a liberal, you only have to master the various ways of saying, "I care," and expect that to trump all opposition.

[JohnEBoy]

Another definition,

The liberal wants equality of outcome.

The conservative wants equality of opportunity.