MICHEAL OAKESHOTT Flashcards
What is Oakeshott KEY work?
‘On Being Conservative’ (1962)
What Philosophy did Oakeshott argue conservatism is and not what philosophy?
Oakeshott called it ‘philosophy of imperfection’ and not ‘philosophy of pessimism’
What did Oakeshott argue the human nature of most humans is?
‘fallible but not terrible’ and ‘imperfect but not immoral’
Though Oakeshott thought humans were incapable of the ‘perfect’ societies what did he believe humanity was still able to secure?
‘both pleasure and improvement through the humdrum business of everyday life’
With liberalism and socialism having such clear views of how society ‘should’ be what did Oakeshott claim this lead to?
impatience, intolerance and frustration
What did Oakeshott claim that conservatives who were reconciled to human imperfection have?
A greater appreciation of the pleasures that already exist in life
What did Oakeshott claim most conservatives thought in terms of progression?
‘prefer the familiar to the unknown, the actual to the possible, the convenient to the perfect… present laughter to utopian bliss’
Why was Oakeshott dismiss of ‘normative’ politics?
its ‘simplistic visions that overlook the complexity of reality’
What Did Oakeshott argue for the state’s existence?
‘prevent the bad rather than create the good’
What is Oakeshott’s ‘nautical metaphor’?
Keep the boat afloat rather than sail to an unknown island that might not even be a thing
What did new right thinkers criticise Oakeshott’s philosophy for?
Being too fatalistic and underestimates our ability to shape circumstances
For new right thinkers like Nozick what did they think of Oakeshott’s mentality?
That ‘Oakeshott’s mentality’ was ‘lazy’ and allowed socialist ideas to advance unchallenged after 1945
oakeshott’s view on human nature
Modest - Humanity is at its best when free from grand designs and focused on the routines of everyday life
Oakeshott’s view on the state
The state should be guided by tradition and practical concerns. Pragmatism
Oakeshott’s view of society
Localised communities are essential to humanity’s survival, especially when guided by short-term requirements rather than abstract ideas
