Conservatism Flashcards
What is the conservatism view on human nature?
-The progressive ideology rejects the views of others and have and stress the fact that human frailty and imperfection exist.
-Thomas Hobbes had a cynical view of human nature and stated that without a state being powerful, there would be wars and hatred to due self-interests. But with warnings and humans having capacity of reason this would provide security
-Edmun Burke stated that french revolution(1789) had offered a vision of an utopian society, in which human misery was erased. But he rejected this as humans tend to fall short however the catholic church was a central community and seen as little platoons.
-Robert Nozick had a new right thought that actually its a bit positive as he said that human nature is egotistical, therefore has that capacity to reach full potential through innovation and enterprise. However it did state that there was a need for formal authority.
-Progressive ideology emphasizes human frailty and rejects opposing views.
-Thomas Hobbes believed a powerful state was necessary to prevent conflict driven by self-interest, relying on human reason for security.
-Edmund Burke criticized the utopian vision of the French Revolution, advocating for the importance of traditional institutions like the Catholic Church.
-Robert Nozick’s New Right perspective sees human egotism as a driver of innovation and enterprise, while acknowledging the need for formal authority.
What is the Conservatism view on state?
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What is the Conservatism view on the society?
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What is the Conservatism view on the economy?
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What is Thomas Hobbes believes?
-Cynical: individuals are selfish, driven by a restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security. Human nature
-The state arises
‘contractually’ from individuals seeking order and security. To serve its purpose, the state’s power must be concentrated and awesome.
-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’.
-Constructive and enduring economic activity is impossible without a state guaranteeing order and security.
What is Edmund burkes believes?
-Sceptical: the ‘crooked timber of humanity’ is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement. We may conceive of perfection but are unable to achieve it.
-The state should be constitutional, but driven by an aristocratic elite, reared to rule in the interests of all.
-Society is organic, comprising a host of small communities (little platoons’) which check the power of the state.
-Trade should involve ‘organic’ free markets and laissez-faire capitalism.
what is Michael Oakeshott believes?
-humanity is mainly benevolent, especially when focused on the routines of everyday life.
-The state should be guided by tradition and practical concerns.
Pragmatism, not dogmatism, should be its watchword.
-Localised communities are essential to
humanity’s survival and well-being.
-Free markets are volatile and unpredictable;
they may require pragmatic
moderation by the state.
What is Ayn Rand believes?
-‘Objectivist: we are guided by rational self-interest and the pursuit of self-fulfilment.
The state should confine itself to law, order and national security.
-Any attempt to promote ‘positive liberty’, via further state intervention, should be resisted.
-In so far as it exists, society is atomistic: the mere sum total of its individuals.
Any attempt to restrict individuals in the name of society should be challenged.
-Free-market capitalism is an expression of individualism and should not be hindered by the state.
What is Robert Nozick belives?
-Egotistical: individuals are driven by a quest for ‘self-ownership, allowing them to realise their full potential.
-The ‘minarchist’ state should merely outsource, renew and reallocate contracts to private companies providing public services.
-Society should be geared to individual self-fulfilment. This may lead to many small, variable communities reflecting their members’ diverse tastes and philosophies.
-Minarchist state should detach itself from the economy, merely arbitrating disputes between private economic organisations.
