"To begin to show that "classic" liberals are just liberals operating in a different socio-political environment, we need a definition that could plausible cover both groups. Wolfe provides a really good one: "As many people as possible should have as much say as is feasible over the direction their lives will take."
In a radio interview Wolfe once gave, he highlighted the concept of autonomy as vital to liberalism. It is distinct (ironically considering the etymology of the word) from "liberty" (or "freedom").
I have never liked the word liberty. Perhaps it is because those who extol it most often seem to be referring to the liberty of a predator to consume prey. What of the liberty of the prey not to be eaten? Liberty and freedom are negative concepts. They imply merely the absence of formal restraint (usually by the state). However autonomy is a richer and more complete concept. It is akin to the distinction Martin Luther King Jr. once drew between peace that was merely the absence of violence, and peace which contained the presence of justice.
Thus it is not merely enough to remove the chains that bind humanity, if they are left destitute in the street to wander aimlessly and hungry. Autonomy requires the capacity to pursue goals. It is still individualistic, but allows for the real support all of us need from without to make any of those goals a reality.
A shorter definition from Wolfe's might be "As many people as possible should have as much autonomy as feasible." Indeed, Wolfe has probably said as much, and likely uses the longer version as the word autonomy requires explanation. Much more can be said about this, and I think there are even other valid (probably longer) definitions of liberalism possible, but this one satisfies my need. For one thing it should be evident that conservatives cannot really claim to exist under this definition. The long history of conservativism, as Phil Agre wrote in a famous piece, is one of hierarchy and inequality. But what about libertarians? How are they distinct from this?" - Daniel De Groot (emphasis added)
Taken from a diary entry: "One liberalism through the ages" on openleft.com
edit: here's the link
http://www.openleft.com/diary/17559/one-liberalism-through-the-ages
really really good read