conservatism human nature Flashcards
essay plans
paragraph 1 - what is the LOA?
conservatives agree that human nature leads to disorder without the state
somewhat of an agreement
paragraph 1 debate section - state and human nature
In a state of nature without the state, human nature would naturally lead to conflict. As a result, they see a strong state as necessary to provide order and prevent conflict.
- Hobbes ‘Leviathan’, which set out the belief that in the absence of a strong state, human life would inevitably fall into a state of constant conflict and competition for resources and power. “nasty, brutish, and short” (TC). This was due to his belief that humans are ruthless and inherently driven by their basic instincts for survival and self-interest, which would lead them to conflicting with each other. Bleak outlook on HN: establishment for strong authority - Leviathan- prevent chaos
- also reflected in ONC and TC support for stable, hierarchal social order; state key role in maintaining peace and preventing conflict
- Burke= ‘Reflections on the Revolution in France’; “Men are qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition to put moral chains upon their own appetites” = TC and ONC believe that in this hierarchical order, individuals can live, work and interact safely, reducing impact of ruthless human nature.
NEW RIGHT- don’t see humans as imperfect and human natures tendency of self-interest seen in + light= nonetheless recognised that the state must maintain law and order and environment that indv autonomy can thrive in is crucial. without it, there would be conflict, as different humans pursuing their own self-interest would clash.
- Rand =argued states only legitimate role to provide security and prevent violence. In ‘The Virtue of Selfishness’, she wrote “The only proper purpose of a govt is to protect man’s rights, which means: to protect him from physical violence.”
paragraph 2 - what is the LOA?
NR rejects TC and ONC’s belief in human imperfection.
significant disagreement
paragraph 2 - human imperfection
TC and ONC strongly support key conservative principle of human imperfection.
See human imperfection - psychological, moral and intellectual - as a constant that politicians need to recognise and accommodate rather than seek to alter.
TC’s interpretation of human imperfection is deeply influenced by Christian teachings about original sin and the fallibility of men. they see humans as morally imperfect, with a natural inclination towards self-interest and immorality. As a result, stress role of moral education, strong institutions (family and religion), and a strong state to install values and curb immoral behaviour = without such guiding structures, human self-interest could undermine the collective good.
This idea central to Burke’s work, emphasised the need for moral guidance and structure in society, provided by long established institutions e.g., the Church, which he viewed as crucial in instilling values and moral education.
NR reject this idea - they don’t see humans as imperfect; instead as rational and self-interested and see this as a positive thing that creates the potential for self-governance and self-improvement.
- strongly disagree with moral and intellectual guidance. instead put emphasis on the rational capabilities and personal responsibilities of individuals.
- self-interest as good = Rand philosophy objectivism: pursuing one’s own happiness not only benefitted society, but is the highest moral pursuit. paternalism and altruism create dependence and diminishes individual freedom
paragraph 3- what is the LOA?
disagree on whether society and communities are important in guiding human natures
significant disagreement
paragraph 3 - society and communities as important in guiding human nature
TC- imperfections can be mitigated through tradition and proper guidance. They believed that while humans are imperfect, nature can be ‘+’ shaped within right social framework.
Oakeshott= “noisy, foolish, and flawed”, less pessimistic view than Hobbes, argued potential to be “benign and benevolent” when framed by the right customs and institutions
- while HN fallible and imperfect; nature and actions not inherently morally evil or destructive.
hence TC emphasis on civilising institutions e.g. the church and communities. = Burke advocacy for localism and “little platoons” of society (smaller communities in society that provide individuals with security and sense of belonging). Burke thought that these “little platoons” could teach values of tradition and mutual support - guide humans and prevent human imperfection FROM BECOMING DESTRUCTIVE.
ONC- agree; but don’t just need moral guidance, need certain level of practical support in industrialised capitalist economy e.g. Disraeli govt Public Health Act 1875 which improved healthcare in towns and cities.
NR- strongly opposes the view that the state and society is required to provide governance. Society as atomistic (definition) and individuals should be left alone.
- emphasis on individual autonomy = limited role in state on social affairs as it undermines freedom, should be free to pursue own self - interest – links back to rationality. no need for moral guidance; pursuit of self-interest as the highest moral pursuit.
- govt intervention = dependency and infringe on freedoms, undermining rational human nature.
NOZICK theory of self-ownership; sovereignty over their bodies and the fruits of their labour. as a result, individuals should be able ton choose how they use their abilities and resources without coercive interference from the state.
- some Neo-conservatives may argue that the family should act as a moral guidance, however, ultimatley NR believe in limtied societal/state intervention in guiding human nature
conclusion -
disagree to large extent.
TC and ONC agree shaped by human imperfections and need for communities to provide moral and intellectual guidance as a result
However, these beliefs are fundamentally rejected by NR; doesn’t see HN as imperfect. instead influenced by CL intellectual tradition, NR sees humans as self-interested and rational as rather than as imperfect. They do not believe that humans require guidance, instead they believed they should be left alone to pursue their self-interest, which they see as the highest moral pursuit.
