To what extent do Conservatives share a common view of the state? Flashcards
para 1 - agree
There is an agreement that the state should be limited, but still be able to ensure stability and avoid change. Traditional Conservatives like Hobbes and Burke argue that it is the role of the state to ensure legal and physical protection and promote order, acting in order to conserve and avoid change. Oakeshott seems to agree with this view, arguing it Is the role of the state to ‘keep the ship afloat’, acting in a way where it keeps society stable
para 1 -disagree
Modern conservatives seem to move away from these ideas. Whilst traditional conservatives argue for a state which ensures order and avoids change, individuals like Nozick and Rand argue that the state should be incredibly limited, acting only as a nightwatchman. In fact, Nozick was so concerned about the growth of the state that he described it as as the ‘gravest contemporary threat to individual freedom
para 2 - agree
Due to their pessimistic view of human nature, traditional conservatives argue that the state should be the ones who own services and business, and make sure they run effectively. Hobbes and Burke argue that humans are imperfect and inherently selfish, and therefore do not possess the ability for self ownership. Oakeshott appears to partially agree with this, arguing how it is the role of the state to uphold the economy and intervene to avoid volatility
para 2 - disagree
Modern conservatives have moved away from this pessimistic viewpoint. Nozick argues that ‘tax, for the most part, is theft’, and is far more optimistic about human nature. His argument about humans being egotistical, desiring ‘self-ownership’, supporting the idea that individuals have the ability for self-ownership rather than the state. Rand seems to agree with this, arguing that the state should not intervene economically, supported free markets and a laissez-faire culture. Furthermore, even despite his pessimistic view of human nature, Oakeshott seems to share these views, arguing in favour of a free market in which the role of the state is simply to ‘keep the ship afloat’
para 3 - agree
Traditional conservatives argue that once again due to their pessimistic view of human nature, there is a ruling class that must act in the interests of society. Hobbes argued that the state would form a social contract, in which humans abdicate freedoms in return for state provided protection. Burke seems to agree with this, arguing how it Is the governing class who have the responsibility to govern. Furthermore, even modern conservatives have found areas of agreement in this, with Nozick arguing that life, liberty and property cannot be taken for granted without some formal authority enforcing laws.
para 3 - disagree
However, the extent of how involved the state should be is disputed, and Nozick does not believe that the state should take freedoms away from society in order to provide security. Modern Conservatives have moved away from this idea, with Ayn Rand arguing in favour of negative liberty, calling for a rollback of the ‘frontiers of the state’. Nozick seems to agree with this, arguing that the state should leave individuals along to realise their talents.
