ideologies > key thinkers conservatism Flashcards
(20 cards)
what did Thomas Hobbes think about the state?
Arises ‘contractually’ from individuals who seek order/security. To serve its purpose the state must be autocratic and awesome.
what did Thomas Hobbes think about human nature?
Cynical: individuals are selfish, driven by a restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security
what did Thomas Hobbes think about society?
There can be no ‘society’ until the creation of a state brings order and authority to human affairs. Life until then is ‘nasty brutish and short’
what did Thomas Hobbes think about the economy?
Constructive and enduring economic activity is impossible without a state guaranteeing order and security.
what did Edmund Burke think about the state?
Arises organically and should be aristocratic, driven by hereditary elite reared to rule in the interest of all.
Don’t want totalitarian state
what did Edmund Burke think about human nature?
Sceptical: the ‘crooked timber of humanity’ is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement. We may conceive of perfection but we are unable to achieve it.
imperfect
what did Edmund Burke think about society?
Society is organic and multifaceted, comprising a host of small communities and organisations
(little platoons)
what did Edmund Burke think about the economy?
Trade should involve ‘organic’ free markets and laissez-faire capitalism.
what did Micheal Oakshott think about the state?
The state should be guided by tradition and practical concerns. Pragmatism not dogmatism should be its watchword.
Don’t want totalitarian state
what did Micheal Oakshott think about human nature?
Modest: humanity is at its best when free from grand designs and when focused on the routines of everyday life.
Imperfect.
No end to history.
what did Micheal Oakshott think about society?
Localised communities are essential to humanity’s survival especially when guided by short term requirements rather than abstract ones.
what did Micheal Oakshott think about the economy?
Free markets are volatile and unpredictable and may require pragmatic modernization by the state.
what did Ayn Rand think about the state?
The state should confine itself to law and order as well as national security. Any attempt to promote ‘positive liberty’ via further state intervention should be resisted.
what did Ayn Rand think about human nature?
Objectivists: we are - and ought to be - guided by rational self interest and the pursuit of self fulfilment.
what did Ayn Rand think about society?
Society is atomistic: the mere sum total of its individuals any attempt to restrict individuals in the name of society should be challenged.
what did Ayn Rand think about the economy?
Free market capitalism is an expression of ‘objectivist’ individualism and shouldnt be hindered by the state.
what did Robert Nozick think about the state?
The minarchist state should merely outsource, renew and reallocate contracts to private companies providing public services.
what did Robert Nozick think about human nature?
Egotistical: individuals driven by a quest for ‘self ownership’ allowing them to realise their full potential.
what did Robert Nozick think about society?
Society should be geared to individual self fulfilment. This may lead to a plethora of small, variable communities reflecting their members’ diverse tastes and philosophes
what did Robert Nozicik think about the economy?
The minarchist state should detach itself from privatised and deregulated economy merely arbitrating disputes between private economic organisations.
