Key Thinkers Flashcards
What book was written by Thomas Hobbes and in what year?
The leviathan, 1651
What were Hobbes’s beliefs on the topic of the state
•Hobbes believed in a powerful state with the purpose of maintaining social order and the status quo in society
• he felt that the state was a contract between individuals and the sovereigns power stemmed from the individual
Hobbes view on human nature?
• Hobbes considered humans to be naturally vainglorious and so seek to dominate others and demand their respect
Hobbes view on the state of nature?
• Hobbes view on the state of nature as a chaotic and lawless “war of all against all”
• He also believed humans had a right to do what they need to survive
What were Burke’s views on the French Revolution?
• Although he championed liberal powers earlier in his life he believed the French Revolution to have been a “disaster “ and that the revolutionists “a swinish multitude “
Burkes views on the state?
• He believed the state should be based on virtues, manners and religious institutions
Burke on tradition in society?
• Burke placed a profound emphasis on the role of tradition as a guiding force in societal development
Burke on human nature?
• He believed humans were inherently flawed and ruined by self interest
Oakeshott on society?
•Oakeshott believed that allegiance to family, local community and region is more important than political commitment
• He preferred the civil society of “little platoons “
Oakeshott on Human nature?
• He was skeptical of abstract theories and saw humans as practical and sentimental beings
Oakeshott on the state?
•Oakeshott felt that the state should be maintained, but not overhauled or changed in too revolutionary of a way
Oakeshott on the economy?
• He believed heavily in individual freedom and placed emphasis on having a working free market economy
Rand on the Economy?
• Rand heavily believed in economic freedom and that it should be entirely without any government intervention or interference
Rand on the state?
• she heavily championed individual rights and laissez-faire capitalism, she generally opposed collectivism with specific forms such as fascism, socialism and the welfare state
• She felt the welfare state should be minimised otherwise people fall reliant upon it
Nozick on the state?
• He felt the state should be limited and should only protect individuals and their property
• He also felt that the state should not: impose taxes, have political elections, set a minimum wage or establish public healthcare
Nozick on Society?
• Nozick argues for individual freedom and autonomy where all individuals make separate decisions away from state intervention
• He felt the state should be minimal and placed an emphasis on property ownership within society
