Conservatism

Question 1

Thomas Hobbes (Human Nature)

Answer 1

Cynical: individuals are SELFISH, driven by a restless and ruthless desire for SUPREMACY and SECURITY

Question 2

Thomas Hobbes (The State)

Answer 2

The state arises CONTRACTUALLY from individuals who seek order and security. To serve its purpose, the state must be AUTOCRATIC and AWESOME

Question 3

Thomas Hobbes (Society)

Answer 3

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”

Question 4

Thomas Hobbes (Economy)

Answer 4

Constructive and enduring economic activity is impossible without a state GUARANTEEING order and security

Question 5

Edmund Burke (Human Nature)

Answer 5

Sceptical: the ‘crooked timber of humanity’ is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement. We may conceive perfection but we are unable to achieve it

Question 6

Edmund Burke (The State)

Answer 6

The state arises organically and should be aristocratic, driven by a hereditary elite, reared to rule in the interest of all

Question 7

Edmund Burke (Society)

Answer 7

Society is organic and multi-faceted, comprising a host of small communities and organisations (little platoons)

Question 8

Edmund Burke (Economy)

Answer 8

Trade should involve ‘organic’ free markets and laissez-faire capitalism

Question 9

Michael Oakshott (Human Nature)

Answer 9

Modest: humanity is at its best when free from grand designs and when focused on the routines of everyday life

Question 10

Michael Oakshott (The State)

Answer 10

The state should be guided by tradition and practical concerns. Pragmatism, not dogmatism, should be it’s watchword.

Question 11

Michael Oakshott (Society)

Answer 11

Localised communities are essential to humanity’s survival, especially when guided by short-term requirements rather than abstract ideas

Question 12

Michael Oakshott (Economy)

Answer 12

Free markets are volatile and unpredictable, and may require pragmatic moderation by the state

Question 13

Any Rand (Human Nature)

Answer 13

Objectivist: we are - and ought to be - guided by rational self-interest and the pursuit of self-fulfilment

Question 14

Ayn Rand (The State)

Answer 14

The state should confine itself to law, order and national security. Any attempt to promote ‘positive liberty’ via further state intervention should be resisted