Conservatism - key thinkers - final Flashcards
What was Thomas Hobbes’ view of human nature?
Individuals are selfish, driven by ruthless self-interest and a desire for supremacy.
What was Thomas Hobbes’ view of the state?
It arises contractually and must be autocratic.
What was Thomas Hobbes’ view of society?
The state precedes society; there can be no society without a state to first bring authority and order.
What was Hobbes’ view of life in the state of nature?
‘nasty, brutish and short’
What was Thomas Hobbes’ view of the economy?
The state is needed to provide order and security before any economic activity can take place.
What is Edmund Burke’s view of human nature?
We are unable to achieve perfection due to our fallibility and tend to fail more than succeed, creating a gap between our aspiration and achievement.
What was Edmund Burke’s view of the state?
It arises organically and should be aristocratic, run by a hereditary elite in the interests of all.
What was Edmund Burke’s view of society?
It is organic and comprises many ‘little platoons’.
What is Edmund Burke’s view of the economy?
Advocated free markets and laissez-faire capitalism.
What was Michael Oakeshott’s view of human nature?
He took a modest view, believing we are at our best when focused on routine.
What was Michael Oakeshott’s view of the state?
It should be pragmatic, guided by tradition and practical concerns.
What is Michael Oakeshott’s view of society?
Localised communities are essential to human survival.
What is Michael Oakeshott’s view of the economy?
Free markets are unpredictable and volatile, and require pragmatic intervention by the state.
What is Ayn Rand’s view of human nature?
We are guided by rational self-interest and the pursuit of self-fulfilment.
What is Ayn Rand’s view of the state?
Should be limited to the functions of law, order, and national security; any attempt to promote ‘positive liberty’ via state intervention should be resisted.
What is Ayn Rand’s view of society?
Society is atomistic - simply a collection of individuals, and any attempt to restrict individuals in the name of society should be challenged.
What is Ayn Rand’s view of the economy?
Favoured free-market capitalism as an expression of individualism and should not be hindered by the state.
What is Robert Nozick’s view of human nature?
Individuals are driven by a quest for ‘self-ownership’ as they try to realise their full potential.
What is Robert Nozick’s view of the state?
The minarchist state should simply outsource everything to private companies providing public services.
What is Robert Nozick’s view of society?
Should be geared to individual self-fulfilment. This may result in many small communities that reflect their members’ diverse tastes and philosophies.
What is Robert Nozick’s view of the economy?
The minarchist state should not regulate the economy at all, and should only arbitrate between private economic organisations.
What did Edmund Burke support?
The American Revolution
What is Edmund Burke’s seminal work?
Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790)
What aspects of conservatism did Burke outline in his seminal work?
- Human imperfection
- Empiricism
- Organicism
- Tradition
- Aristocracy
