The term "Whigs" traditionally referred to a political party that was active in Britain during the 17th and 18th centuries, but it has also been used to describe a variety of similar political groups throughout history. Alternative words that can be used to describe Whigs include liberals, reformists, progressives, and radicals. These terms all imply a belief in the power of reasoned argument and a commitment to political change and social justice. While the specific policies and platforms of these groups may differ, they share a fundamental commitment to promoting democracy, individual rights, and freedom of speech and thought.