Conservative Thinkers Flashcards
What was Thomas Hobbes views on human nature?
needy, vulnerable and likely to commit destructive acts
human nature was shaped by a restless desire for the acquisition of goods, an immovable distrust of others and a constant fear of violent death.
‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short’
What is Thomas Hobbes view on 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 is Thomas Hobbes view on 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 is Thomas Hobbes view on the economy
Constructive and enduring economic activity is impossible without a state guaranteeing order and security
What is Edmund Burke view on human nature
sceptical: marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement
We conceive of perfection but we are unable to achieve it
What is Edmund Burke view on the state
State arises organically and should be aristocratic, driven by a hereditary elite, made to rule in the interest of everyone
What is the Edmund Burke view on the society
Society is organic and multi-faceted, comprising a host of small communities and organisations (little platoons)
What is Edmund Burke view on the economy
Trade should involve ‘organic’ free markets and lassiez-faire capitalism
What is Michael Oakeshott view on human nature
modest
humanity is at its best when free from grand designs and when focused on the routines of everyday routines
What is Michael Oakeshott view on the state
The state should be guided by tradition and practical concerns.
Pragmatism
What is Michael Oakeshott view on society
Localised communities are essential to humanity’s survival, especially when guided by every day (short term) requirements rather than imaginative/ abstract ideas
What is Michael Oakeshott view on the economy
Free markets are volatile and unpredictable, it may require pragmatic (practical) moderation by the state
What is Ayn Rand view on human nature
‘Objectivist’ we are - and ought to be -guided by rational self interest and the pursuit of self fulfilment
What is Ayn Rand view on the state
State should confine itself to law, order and national security. Any attempt to promote ‘positive liberty’ should be resisted. It’s up to people to reach their own potential
What is Ayn Rand view on the society
Atomistic: society should be made up of singular individuals.
Any attempt to restrict individuals in the name of society should be challenged
What is Ayn Rand view on the economy
Free market capitalism is an expression of ‘objectivist’ individualism and should not be hindered by the state
What is Robert Nozick view on human nature
Egotistical: individuals are driven on a mission for ‘self ownership’ allowing them to realise their full potential
What is Robert Nozick view on the state
Minarchist state (minimal state/ limited) should merely outsource, renew and allocate contracts to private companies providing public services
What is Robert Nozick view on the society
Society should be geared to individual self - fulfilment
What is Robert Nozick view on the economy
The minarchist state should detach itself from a privatised and deregulated economy, merely arbitrating disputes between private economic organisations
