key thinkers

Question 1

when was Hobbes alive?

Answer 1

1588-1679

Question 2

what was Hobbes’ book?

Answer 2

Leviathan

Question 3

overall view of the state’s function:

Answer 3

-mankind would eventually realise that the state of nature was harmful to self-interest therefore they would agree to a ‘contract’
-individuals would consent to a sovereign state that made laws, thus allowing humans to have a sort of order and security
-a society would then emerge
-state would have to be autocratic to fulfil its function
-PRINCIPAL REASON FOR THE STATE = the creation of order and security

Question 4

when was Burke alive?

Answer 4

1729-1797

Question 5

what was Burke’s book?

Answer 5

reflections on the revolution in france

Question 6

what was Burke’s view on how change should occur?

Answer 6

-should occur organically and gradually
-should only be in response to circumstances that mean said change is necessary - change should be based on fact and experience and so should be reactionary
-change should only occur to conserve tradition, order and stability
-revolutionary change e.g. french revolution, which Burke opposed, brough chaos and disrupted order