Human Nature

Question 1

fixed and flawed view of human nature

Answer 1

frail anf imperfect humans, reject idea of being malleable
human nature seen traditionally as a ‘philosophy of imperfection’

Question 2

cynical view of human nature

Answer 2

THOMAS HOBBES
life was ‘nasty, brutish and short’
egotistical and ruthless view of human nature seen as pursuiit of self interest
relations between humans consisting of ‘envy, violent conflict, hatred’
state role to allow self interest more efficiently and less hazardously

Question 3

sceptical view of human nature

Answer 3

EDMUND BURKE
small and gradual change due to tendency of humans to flal short - cautious approach
‘warts and foibles that mark each man’ - ‘chasm’ in pursuit to perfection

Question 4

forgiving view of human nature

Answer 4

‘fallible not terrible’ and ‘imperfect not immoral’
humans capable of kindness and generosity and goodness
OAKESHOTT: comfort over risk - ‘tried over untried’, ‘familiar to unknown’
tolerant view

Question 5

communal view of human nature

Answer 5

BURKE and OAKESHOTT - disagree with HOBBES - not merciless humans, rather communal

Question 6

new right view of human nature

Answer 6

RAND: no obligation to a man apart from respecting his freedom
negative and egotistical view of human nature, but more centred around community
strong state to maintain stability and prevent chaos
rational beings that can be self interested in free market