Michael Oakeshott

Question 1

Which type of conservative was Michael Oakeshott?

Answer 1

Burke was a one-nation conservative

Question 2

What were Michael Oakeshott’s beliefs on human nature?

Answer 2

Oakeshott had a modest view, that humanity is at its best when free from grand designs and when focused on the routines of everyday life
(thus a state guided by tradition and practical concerns will allow human nature to flourish)

Question 3

What were Michael Oakeshott’s beliefs on the state?

Answer 3

Oakeshott believed that the state should be guided by traditional and practical concerns. Pragmatism should be prioritised over dogmatism.
(thus allowing human nature to flourish as he believed that humanity is best when free from grand designs and focused on the routines of everyday life)

Question 4

What were Michael Oakeshott’s beliefs on society?

Answer 4

Oakeshott believed that localised communities are essential to humanity’s survival
(allowing natural bonds of trust, duty and loyalty to emerge)

Question 5

What were Michael Oakeshott’s beliefs on the economy?

Answer 5

Oakeshott believed that free markets are volatile and unpredictable so may require some pragmatic moderation by the state
(allowing human nature to flourish within the economic realm as they value freedom while maintaining a stable economic structure)