conservative key thinkers

Question 1

hobbes

Answer 1

human nature:
- human imperfection
society:
- believes in monarchy - social contract, give up some freedoms to monarchy
- state introduced society
state:
- state introduced society
- state is sovereign and brings order
economy:
- state allows economy to develop
- laissez faire approach

Question 2

burke

Answer 2

human nature:
- negative view
society:
- hierarchal structure
- noblesse oblige
- change to conserve
state:
- less state intervention
- state intervention to preserve individual rights, law and order
economy:
- laissez faire capitalism
- free market is capitalism in its natural state

Question 3

oakeshott

Answer 3

human nature:
- negative view but not as much as burke and hobbes (‘imperfect but not immoral’)
society:
- organic society
state:
- guided by tradition and experience
economy:
- free market but pragmatic moderation due to intellectual imperfection

Question 4

rand

Answer 4

human nature:
- positive view on human nature - capable of rational thought
society:
- atomistic individualism
state:
- minimal state intervention
- no welfare state - dependency
economy:
- free market
- privatisation and de-regulation

Question 5

nozick

Answer 5

human nature:
- positive view
society:
- atomistic individualism
- no welfare state
state:
- minarchist state (limited to law and order, enforcement of contract)
economy:
- free market
- privatisation and de-regulation