conservatism Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is Thomas Hobbes’ view of human nature?
Pessimistic; humans are naturally selfish, driven by a desire for power and security.
Hobbes believed that life without authority would be ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.’
What type of state did Thomas Hobbes advocate for?
A strong, autocratic state to prevent chaos.
Hobbes supported a social contract where individuals surrender liberty for security.
How did Hobbes view society?
Naturally hierarchical; society develops only under order. social compact
Social order prevents humans from reverting to their worst instincts.
sovereign
What was Hobbes’ economic stance?
Implied support for a controlled economy under a sovereign to maintain stability.
Hobbes had little to say directly on economics.
ab the state
What is a key quote from Thomas Hobbes?
‘a state of war’
What was Edmund Burke’s view of human nature?
Imperfect but not evil; driven more by emotion and custom than reason.
Burke emphasized the fallibility of people.
hierarchy
What type of state does Edmund Burke advocate for?
An organic, traditional state based on empiricism.
Change should be cautious, not radical.
How did Burke define society?
A partnership between ‘those who are living, those who are dead, and those yet to be born.’
What is Burke’s economic perspective?
Supported free markets and property rights but within limits to protect tradition and stability.
ab the state
What is a key quote from Edmund Burke?
‘A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.’
What is Michael Oakeshott’s view of human nature?
the politics of faith: because of human imperfection it is beyond the ability of human beings to understand reality
Oakeshott believed people should not be trusted with abstract theories.
What type of state does Michael Oakeshott advocate for?
A pragmatic state, not ideological.
Oakeshott compared the state to a ship sailing without a destination.
How does Oakeshott view society?
An organic society guided by customs and tradition. modern society is unpredictable and multifaceted. faith in rationalism is therefore misplaced
What is Oakeshott’s economic stance?
Supported free-market capitalism but believed in moderation.
Oakeshott warned against overreliance on ideology in economic planning.
What is a key quote from Michael Oakeshott?
‘authority if his own reason’
‘the cure is not worse than the disease’
What is Ayn Rand’s view of human nature?
Humans are rational and capable of reason; should pursue self-interest.
Rand viewed altruism as a weakness.
What type of state does Ayn Rand advocate for?
A minimal ‘night-watchman’ state to protect individual rights. she feared the state interfereing with individuals lives. no tax
How does Rand view society?
Individuals owe nothing to society; opposed the traditional view of an organic society. loathed organic society because the obligations demanded from individuals eroded them of their freedoms
What is Rand’s economic perspective?
Full support for laissez-faire capitalism; state intervention is immoral.
What is a key quote from Ayn Rand?
‘Altruism is incompatible with freedom.’
‘rolling back the state’
‘man must be the benificieary of his own moral actions’
What is Robert Nozick’s view of human nature?
Rational individuals with rights to self-ownership and autonomy.
What type of state does Robert Nozick justify?
Only justified to protect rights and enforce contracts. miniaturist government with minimal interference in the lives of individuals. the state has too much pwoer over personal freedom. critical of taxation. critical of the state determining welfare
How does Nozick view society?
Based on individual choice; no moral obligation to help others.
What is Nozick’s economic stance?
Strong supporter of free-market capitalism; believes in entitlement theory.
