Conservative Key Thinkers Flashcards
(37 cards)
What were Thomas Hobbes views on the economy?
- Didn’t really write about the economy.
- Believed that when people submitted to the sovereign they also gave up their rights to property.
What were Hobbes views on the state?
- Challenged the view of divine right of kings.
- Everyone’s version of a state is different- leads to conflict.
- Under contract, state has right to make laws that allow order and security.
What did Hobbes believe about state power?
- It must be concentrated to avoid conflict.
- Effective states are awesome and forbidding.
What were Hobbes views on individual rights?
- The state of nature did not comprise of natural rights.
- Individuals agree to a contract and give up rights for security.
What was Hobbes version of a natural society?
- He argued that natural society was nothing more than a struggle for power.
- People were selfish and there was no cooperation between individuals.
What were Hobbes views on human nature?
- Sceptical- ruthlessly egotistical and likely to commit destructive acts.
- Fearful, seeking security and protection.
What was Hobbes most famous work?
Leviathan (1651)
In what context was Thomas Hobbes writing in?
He was born during the Spanish Armada and witnessed the English Civil war- made him distrustful.
What were Nozick’s views on Society?
- Society predates the state.
- Taxation is a form of slavery where everyone has some claim on everyone’s labour.
- Individuals should be left alone in the social and cultural spheres.
How did Nozick justify inequalities of wealth.
He believed that if an individual was responsible for the success of something then they should be given more merit.
What were Nozick’s views on human nature?
- Optimistic- described humans as ‘freedom loving pack animals’.
- Should be left alone to realise their talents and potential.
What is Nozick’s view on society?
Individuals should be left alone in the social and cultural spheres.
What were Nozick’s views on the economy?
- Humans should be left alone economically
- It is a form of forced labour to make someone give away earnings as tax to the state.
What was Nozick’s view on Property?
Property is extremely important, taxing people on this is theft.
What were Nozick’s views on the state?
- Growth of welfare state fostered dependency culture.
- Growing power of government threatens individual freedom.
- Minarchist state- outsources public services to private companies.
- The reach of the state should be as limited as possible.
What was Nozick’s most famous work?
Anarchy, State and Utopia (1974).
In what context was Nozick writing in?
Rise of New Right politics in the west, Harvard professor.
What were Burke’s views on Society?
- Organic society- ruling class will be inevitable and desirable.
- Should be made up of little platoons and must reflect the past and future.
What were Burke’s views on tradition?
- Future change must be cautious and organic.
- Should sustain the environment for the next generations.
- Humans are sceptical of change.
Burke’s views on the French revolution?
- Opposed this- criticised in his book.
- Denounced France’s vision of a Utopia- unrealistic.
- French discarded what was known.
Burke’s views on the American revolution.
- Firm supporter after 1775.
- Colonists wanted to preserve their established way of life.
What were Burkes views on the Economy?
- Supported Adam Smith’s laissez-faire and free trade
- Against mercantilism and monopoly
What were Burke’s views on property?
- Important for stability in society.
- Against redistribution through heavy taxation.
What was Burke’s views on the state?
- The ruling classes are the only ones capable of governing in a selfless way.
- Burkean notion- elected representative owes you his conscience.
- Elected representatives possess a greater level of wisdom.
