Key Theme and Key Thinkers Conservatism Flashcards
THOMAS HOBBES Human Nature
CYNICAL - people are selfish with a desire for supremacy and security
THOMAS HOBBES The State
the arises contractually from individuals who seek order and security. state must be autocratic.
THOMAS HOBBES society
cant be a society until creation of a state brings order and authority to human affairs. until then life is nasty brutish and short,
THOMAS HOBBES The Economy
the economy can’t survive without a state guarenteeing order and security
EDMUND BURKE human nature
SCEPTICAL - ‘crooked timber of humanity’ . we may conceive of perfection but we are unable to achieve it
EDMUND BURKE The state
The state arises organically and should be aristocratic, driven by a hereditary elite
EDMUND BURKE Society
its organic made of small communities (little platoons)
EDMUND BURKE The economy
trade should involve organic free markets and laissez faire capitalism
MICHAEL OAKSHOTT Human Nature
MODEST: humanity is at its best when free from grand designs and when focused on the routines of everyday life
MICHAEL OAKSHOTT The state
the state should be guided by tradition and practical concerns. pragmatism not dogmatism.
MICHAEL OAKESHOTT society
Localised communities are important for survival, especialy when guided by short term requirements and not abstract ideas
MICHAEL OAKESHOTT The economy
Free markets are volatile and require moderation by the state
AYN RAND Human Nature
OBJECTIVIST - we should be guided by rational self interest and pursuit of self fulfilment
AYN RAND The state
state should confine itself to law, order and national security - limit state intervention to promote ‘positive liberty’
AYN RAND Society
society is atomistic - just the total of its individuals and any attempt to restrict people in the name of society should be challenged
