Thinkers on Conservatism

Question 1

Thomas Hobbes

Answer 1

-pessimistic about human nature( humans are selfish and prone to evil)
-favoured absolute monarchy, but rejected divine right theroy
- believed people had the right to replace their government if it could not maintain order
-vaulted security over freedom
-ultra conservative political thinker

Question 2

Edmund Burke

Answer 2

-moderate classical conservative
-belived that society was naturally hierarchical
-attempted to make privileges for the upper class seen natural
-Reflection on the Revolution in France (1790)
-opposition to revolutionary change
-support monarchy and aristocracy and the traditional church
- slow change/ cautious

Question 3

Joseph de maistre

Answer 3

-ultra conservative french thinker
-support for tradition, order and stability
-absolute monarchy and restoration of the old regime
-defended divine right theroy
-supported for a privileged clergy and nobility