Conservatism: Thinkers

Question 1

What is Thomas Hobbes’ view on human nature?

Answer 1

Humans are cynical and self-seeking, driven by a desire for supremacy and security.

Question 2

What is Thomas Hobbes’ view on the state?

Answer 2

The state arises from individuals who seek order and security, and must be autocratic.

Question 3

What is Thomas Hobbes’ view on society?

Answer 3

The state of nature before a formal state is created makes life ‘nasty, brutish and short’. There can therefor be no society until a state brings order and authority.

Question 4

What is Thomas Hobbes’ view on the economy?

Answer 4

Constructive and enduring economic activity requires a state to guarantee order and security.

Question 5

What is Edmund Burke’s view on human nature?

Answer 5

Humans can conceive of perfection, but it is impossible to obtain. The ‘crooked timber of humanity’ is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement.

Question 6

What is Edmund Burke’s view on the state?

Answer 6

The state arises organically and should be aristocratic, lead by a hereditary elite who rule in the common interest.

Question 7

What is Edmund Burke’s view on society?

Answer 7

Society is organic and formed from distinct, small communities (little platoons).

Question 8

What is Edmund Burke’s view on the economy?

Answer 8

Trade should involve organic free markets and laissez-faire capitalism.

Question 9

What is Michael Oakeshott’s view on human nature?

Answer 9

Humanity is at its best having realistic goals and focusing on the routines of everyday life.

Question 10

What is Michael Oakeshott’s view on the state?

Answer 10

The state should be guided by tradition and practical concerns (pragmatism > dogmatism).

Question 11

What is Michael Oakeshott’s view on society?

Answer 11

Localised communities which focus on the concrete, short-term reality are essential to humanity’s survival.

Question 12

What is Michael Oakeshott’s view on the economy?

Answer 12

Free markets are volatile and unpredictable, and therefore must be moderated by the state.

Question 13

What is Ayn Rand’s view on human nature?

Answer 13

We are guided by rational self-interest and the pursuit of self-fulfilment (objectivism).

Question 14

What is Ayn Rand’s view on the state?

Answer 14

The state should be limited to law, order and national security. The idea of ‘positive liberty’ should be rejected.

Question 15

What is Ayn Rand’s view on society?

Answer 15

Society is atomistic, a collection of distinct individuals. Individuals should not be restricted in the name of society.

Question 16

What is Ayn Rand’s view on the economy?

Answer 16

Free market capitalism is an expression of individualism and should not be hindered by the state.

Question 17

What is Robert Nozick’s view on human nature?

Answer 17

Humans are egotistical and driven by their ability to realise their full potential (self-ownership).

Question 18

What is Robert Nozick’s view on the state?

Answer 18

The minarchist state should simply facilitate private companies providing public services.

Question 19

What is Robert Nozick’s view on society?

Answer 19

Society should allow for individual self-fulfilment, leading to many small communities with their own tastes and philosophies.

Question 20

What is Robert Nozick’s view on the economy?

Answer 20

The economy should be privatised and deregulated, and the only role of the state is to settle disputes between private corporations.