Conservative Thinkers

Question 1

What was Thomas Hobbes views on human nature?

Answer 1

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’

Question 2

What is Thomas Hobbes view on the state

Answer 2

the state arises ‘contractually’ from individuals who seek order and security.
To serve its purpose, the state must be autocratic and awesome.

Question 3

What is Thomas Hobbes view on society

Answer 3

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’

Question 4

What is Thomas Hobbes view on the economy

Answer 4

Constructive and enduring economic activity is impossible without a state guaranteeing order and security

Question 5

What is Edmund Burke view on human nature

Answer 5

sceptical: marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement
We conceive of perfection but we are unable to achieve it

Question 6

What is Edmund Burke view on the state

Answer 6

State arises organically and should be aristocratic, driven by a hereditary elite, made to rule in the interest of everyone

Question 7

What is the Edmund Burke view on the society

Answer 7

Society is organic and multi-faceted, comprising a host of small communities and organisations (little platoons)

Question 8

What is Edmund Burke view on the economy

Answer 8

Trade should involve ‘organic’ free markets and lassiez-faire capitalism

Question 9

What is Michael Oakeshott view on human nature

Answer 9

modest
humanity is at its best when free from grand designs and when focused on the routines of everyday routines

Question 10

What is Michael Oakeshott view on the state

Answer 10

The state should be guided by tradition and practical concerns.
Pragmatism

Question 11

What is Michael Oakeshott view on society

Answer 11

Localised communities are essential to humanity’s survival, especially when guided by every day (short term) requirements rather than imaginative/ abstract ideas

Question 12

What is Michael Oakeshott view on the economy

Answer 12

Free markets are volatile and unpredictable, it may require pragmatic (practical) moderation by the state

Question 13

What is Ayn Rand view on human nature

Answer 13

‘Objectivist’ we are - and ought to be -guided by rational self interest and the pursuit of self fulfilment

Question 14

What is Ayn Rand view on the state

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What is Ayn Rand view on the society

Answer 15

Atomistic: society should be made up of singular individuals.
Any attempt to restrict individuals in the name of society should be challenged

Question 16

What is Ayn Rand view on the economy

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What is Robert Nozick view on human nature

Answer 17

Egotistical: individuals are driven on a mission for ‘self ownership’ allowing them to realise their full potential

Question 18

What is Robert Nozick view on the state

Answer 18

Minarchist state (minimal state/ limited) should merely outsource, renew and allocate contracts to private companies providing public services

Question 19

What is Robert Nozick view on the society

Answer 19

Society should be geared to individual self - fulfilment

Question 20

What is Robert Nozick view on the economy

Answer 20

The minarchist state should detach itself from a privatised and deregulated economy, merely arbitrating disputes between private economic organisations