conservatism overall thinkers' views and attitudes Flashcards
what does Thomas Hobbes think of human nature?
cynical individuals are selfish driven by a restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security.
what does Edmund burk?
sceptical the crooked timber of humanity is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement. we many conceive of perfection but we are unable to achieve it.
what does Michael Oakeshott think of human nature?
modest humanity is at its best when free from grand designs and when focused on the routines of everyday life.
what does ayn rand think of human nature?
objectivist we are and ought to be guided by rational self-interest and the pursuit of self-fulfilment.
what does Robert Nozick think of human nature?
egotistical individuals are driven by a quest for self-ownership allowing them to realise their full potential
what does Thomas Hobbes think of the state?
the state arises contractually from individuals who seek order and security. To serve its purpose the state must be autocratic and awesome.
what did Edmund burk think of the state?
The state arises organically and should be aristocratic driven by a hereditary elite, reared to rule in the interests of all.
what did Michael Oakeshott?
The state should be guided by tradition and practical concerns. Pragmatism not dogmatism should be its watchword.
what does ayn rand think of the state?
The state should confine itself to law, order and national security. Any attempt to promote ‘positive liberty’ via further state intervention should be resisted.
what does Robert Nozick think of the state?
The minarchist state should merely outsource renew and reallocate contracts to private companies providing public services.
what does Thomas Hobbes think of society?
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’.
what does Edmund burke think of the society?
society is organic and multi faceted compromising a host of small communities and organisations.
what does Michael Oakeshott think about the state?
-localised communities are essential to humanity survival especially when guided by short term requirements rather than abstract ideas.
what does ayn rand think about the state?
In so far as it exists at all, society is atomistic the mere sum total of its individuals. Any attempt to restrict individuals in the name of society should be challenged.
what does Robert Nozick think about the state?
society should be geared to the individual self fulfilment. This may lead to a plethora of small, variable communities reflecting their members diverse tastes and philosophers.
