Thinkers' ideas

Question 1

Hobbes

Answer 1

Order - An ordered society should balance the human need to live a free life. Human nature - Humans are needy, vulnerable and easily led astray in attempting to understand the world.

Question 2

Burke

Answer 2

Change - This should happen organically with caution. Empiricism - Practices passed down for generations should be respected.

Question 3

Oakeshott

Answer 3

Human imperfection - Society is unpredictable and humans are imperfect. Pragmatism - Conservatism is about being pragmatic.

Question 4

Rand

Answer 4

Objectivism - Advocates virtues of rational self-interest. Freedom - Supports a pure, laissez-faire capitalist economy.

Question 5

Nozick

Answer 5

Libertarianism - Individuals in society cannot be treated as a thing or used against their will as a resource. Self-ownership - Individuals own their bodies, talents, abilities and labour.