Michael Oakeshott Flashcards
dates
1901-90
his importance
brought a fresh perspective on ideas of traditional conservatism
e.g how conservative view human imperfection
famous work
being conservative 1962
known for ‘philosophy of imperfection’ doesn’t have to be ‘philosophy of pessimism’
view on human nature
make mistakes not terrible
imperfect not immoral
not capable of a perfect society
but can ‘secure both pleasure and improvement through the humdrum business of everyday life’
what did he argue about other ideologies ‘clear view’ on how society ‘should’ be
would lead to impatience, intolerance +frustration
what did he say about conservatives who were on board with human imperfection
they have a greater appreciation for pleasures which already exist
quote about what conservatives prefer
‘familiar to unknown, actual to possibe, convenient to perfect’
how did he describe an imperical and pragmatic approach
‘art of the possible’
through experience trial + error not abstract philosophy that wisdom was achieved
his final work
the politics of faith and the politics of scepticism
his view on the state
existed to ‘prevent the bad rather than create the good’
what was his ‘nautical metaphor’
during our lives ‘all sail a boundless sea’ job of gov is to reflect this by ‘keeping the ship afloat at all costs’ + ‘not fixating on a port which may not exist’
how did Nozick describe Oakeshott’s philosophy
‘oakeshott mentality’ was lazy
allowed socialist ideas to advance unchallenged
human nature summary
modest
best when free from grand designs
should focus on routines of everyday life
the state summary
should be guided by tradition
pragmatic
society summary
localised communities essential for human survival
