human nature Flashcards
general conservative view on human nature:
-focus on human imperfection
-humans are fallible
-no possibility of a perfect society with flawless and rational individuals
-view is descriptive not prescriptive - highlighting humanity as it is not as it could/should be
-human nature is fixed and constant
Hobbes’ view on human nature:
-pessimistic and cynical view
-state of nature would be chaos and life would be ‘nasty, brutish and short’
-humans are egotistical and ruthless in pursuit of self-interest, therefore there would be conflict
-ultimately though humans will use reasoning and decide that it’s wise to follow their leader, which would in turn lead them to establish a formal state which ensured order and security
Burke’s view on human nature:
-sceptical view
-mankind tends to fail more than it succeeds
-initially he supported the french revolution but he was then critical of it, as he acknowledged that, as human nature was fallible, the utopia that the revolution proposed was impossible
-but humans are capable of kindness, altruism and wisdom, as long as their actions are rooted in history, tradition and the teachings of the christian church
-humans are sociable creatures, drawn to the security of local communities, which he called ‘little platoons’
-need for restraint of formal authority and support of communities
Oakeshott’s view on human nature:
-more hopeful and forgiving view
-humanity is ‘fallible not terrible’ and ‘imperfect not immoral’
-humans may often fail to meet targets, but they’re still capable of kindness, fellowship, generosity and solidarity
-humans are creatures of habit, instinct, impulse and emotion, with a fondness for the communal pleasures of family friends etc
Nozick/ Rand’s view on human nature:
-humans have yearnings for individuals freedom, autonomy and self-determination
-acknowledge egotism of human nature but believe it inspires a vibrant capitalist economy, the enrichment of society and general contentment
-agreed with Burke and Oakeshott on the need for formal authority and the support of communities
