Conservatism Flashcards
What did Thomas Hobbes think about human nature?
Everyone has different moral views
Humans want power and are destructive in order to achieve this
What did Edmund Burke think about human nature?
Mankind fails more than it succeeds as shown by the French Revolution
Individuals are foolish
What did Michael Oakeshott think about human nature?
Humans are imperfect but not immoral
Wisodm only achieved through experience
What did Ayn Rand think about human nature?
‘Objectivism’ - humans should be guided by self interest and self fulfilment
What did Robert Nozick think about human nature?
Should be left alone, optimistic
What did Thomas Hobbes think about the state?
Without a state there is no order as everyone has different morals
Paternalism- need people who know what they’re doing
What did Edmund Burkethink about the state?
Ruling class must govern in interests of all
Any change to the state must be gradual - ‘contract between dead, living, and future generations’
What did Michael Oakeshotte think about the state?
State exists to prevent bad rather than create good
Limited government favoured, should rely on experience rather than theory
What did Ayn Rand think about the state?
Small state
Order and security provided by state so there is negative liberty
What did Robert Nozick think about the state?
Small state detatched from economy
Formal authorities to enfore laws
What did Thomas Hobbes think about society?
No natural rights before the state
Humans will agree to a contract with state and society is formed
What did Edmund Burke think about society?
Needs a ruling class
Small communities ‘little platoons’
Individuals should rely on tradition set by society
What did Michael Oakeshott think about society?
Appreciate society that exists
Communities shouldn’t have permanent rules, gradual change favoured
What did Ayn Rand think about society?
Society is a loose collection of individuals - Talented individuals create a successful society
What did Robert Nozick think about society?
Permissive society (social norms become more liberal)
Self sufficient communities
Society came before state
