Burke Flashcards
Was Burke for or against the French Revolution
Against
When was reflections written
1790, a year after the beginning of the French revolution
What was reflections a critique on
The dangers of radical political change
What did Burke believe about radical change based on pure reasoning?
Creating new, untested structures of governance based on theory alone was to play a dangerous game
Change based on reasoning was unworkable and immoral
How did Burke see politics
An empirical science based on past experiences and tradition
What was at the core of Burkes theory
Defending traditional forms of rule within society
What did Burke defend in his political career?
The constitutional limitation of the crowns authority
What did Burke believe about freedom and equality?
Freedom and equality are different. Real equality is not real unless it was when God judged, liberty is something within the law and not an excuse to do whatever one would like
What did Burke believe the revolutionaries did not understand?
‘There are no rights without corresponding duties, or without some strict qualifications’
Why did Burke argue the French Revolution would end badly?
It’s abstract foundations, purportedly rational, ignore the complexities of human nature and society
What did Burke argue for instead of Revolution
Gradual constitutional reform
