to what extent do conservatives have a common view of human nature

Question 1

INTRO -

Answer 1

conservatism based on the conservation of society’s traditional values and the limitation of change. Core ideas are preserving tradition and pragmatism. However, disputes have arisen throughout Conservatism about human nature and its effect on tradition and the maintenance of society.
LoA - Conservatives do not share a common view of society

Question 2

para 1 - agree

Answer 2

• There is a general pessimism that remains about human nature. The idea of human imperfection is common view (split between psychological, moral and intellectual). Traditional Thomas Hobbes saw human as needy and vulnerable, this is shared with Edmund Burke who subscribed to the idea of human imperfection and fallibility.
  
  • Modern Conservative Michael Oakeshott shares this view, with him also seeing human as imperfect and unpredictable, arguing that they lack the mental facilities to make sense of a complex modern world.
    However, the extent of this human imperfection is disputed, with Oakeshott describing humans as fallible but not terrible and imperfect but not immoral, making hm a lot more positive than both Burke and Hobbes

Question 3

para 2 - disagree

Answer 3

• Modern Conservatives have gone quite far way from these ideas promoted by Hobbes and Burke. Ayn Rand believed that humans are rationally self interested, something she saw as a virtue. She saw humans as being capable of reaching their aims and goals. This is shared by new right thinker Robert Nozick, who believed that humans are egotistical and desire ‘self-ownership’ which would allow them to realise their full potential. He believed humans were the sole authors of their talents and abilities. Far removed from the view of Hobbes and Burke
  However, Nozick does recognise that imperfection, selfishness and dishonesties exist in human nature BUT, they’re not main characteristics as Hobbes would argue. Therefore, Conservatives don’t share a common view.

Question 4

para 3 - agree

Answer 4

• The idea of idealistic utopian societies being impractical and unachievable. Hobbes and Burke find agreement that utopian societies are too positive about humans and are destined to fail. Shared with Oakeshott, who endorsed idea that humans are incapable of ‘perfect societies’. Ayn Rand also agrees, saying that humans are more focused on their self fulfilment rather than community success, such as the ideas of socialism.
  However, the reasons for these societies being unachievable is certainly disputed, being split between Hobbes and Burke’s idea of incapability and Rand’s idea of a lack of necessity.

Question 5

para 4 - disgaree

Answer 5

• Burke and Hobbes argue that governments must be in place to likmit and control humans. Hobbes argues that freedom without order and authortiy would have disastorus consqeuences for human societies, believibg that humans are inacapabne of having freedoms. This is very far from the ideas of Rand and Nozick. Rand supported the idea of a completely unregulated, laissez-faire economy, compatible with the free expression of human rationality. This idea of freedom is shared by Nozick, who believed those individuals have rights to their lives, liberty and the rewards of their labour.
  Therefore, they disagree.