Edmund Burke

Question 1

Background/Book

Answer 1

• Arrised in opposition to the french revolution, via his text ‘Reflections on the revolution in France’ (1790)
• He defined various tenants of conservative thought in this book e.g. human imperfection, tradition, localism, aristocracy

Question 2

HN

Answer 2

• Sceptical: the ‘crooked timber of humanity’ is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement
• We may concieve of perfection but we are unable to achieve it

Question 3

Society

Answer 3

• Society is organic and multi-faceted comprising a host of ‘little platoons’ in a natural, aristocratic hierarchy
• Argues that tradition andempiricism (ideas based on custom and experience which had stood the test of time) were crucial to the social fabric which generated stability and order and ultimately held society together

Question 4

The state

Answer 4

• The State arises organically and should be aristocratic, driven by the hereditary elite - the only ones who can govern the country in a disinterested, paternalistic manner
• Burkean notion/trustee model of representation of an elected representative to use their own conscience

Question 5

The economy

Answer 5

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