Conservative Thinkers

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  • Created by: AshyBoy
  • Created on: 02-08-18 17:07
THOMAS HOBBES (1588-1679)
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In "Leviathan" (1651) what was his opinions on the government?
The argued that a strong government was vital in order to protect people against chaos. That argued that left to themselves people were selfish and irrational so an authoritarian government was crucial to enforce order.
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What theory did Hobbes develop and what is it?
Social Contract Theory - People must give up their freedom in return for protection only the state could provide i.e. obedience in return for security.
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Why do Libertarian New Right Conservatives not agree with this negative view on human nature?
Because they believe that humans are rational and therefore change is necessary. This is shown through how laissez-faire economics is proven to work.
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EDMUND BURKE (1729-1797)
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In his book "Reflections on the Revolution in France" (1790) what was his opinions on liberal ideas?
He argued that "progress" was undesirable and rejected liberal ideas. He argued that 'Tradition and wisdom' of past generations are the foundations of a strong society (he saw France after the revolution of 1789 as an example of chaos and tyranny.
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"Change is only necessary to ___"
conserve
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What was his opinions on human rights?
He rejected both human rights and democracy and that the 'elite should rule'. Although he did admit that the monarchy should be constrained to a parliament elected of only the few not all.
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MICHEAL OAKESHOTT (1901-1990)
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Politics is about ___ knowledge and ___, not ideology or theories. 'Politics should be a ___ not an argument'
practical - pragmatism - conversation
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In "On Being Conservative" (1962) what did Oakeshott compare personal freedom to?
He said that a society with too much personal freedom was like a ship lost at sea without direction and order.
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What is the theology of 'Human Imperfection'?
Society is unpredictable and humans imperfect. Society needs continuity with the past and order.
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AYN RAND (1905-1982)
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What was Rand's opinions on individuality and free market capitalism?
She emphasised the importance of individual liberty. She argued that self-seeking individuals pursuing their own self interest will lead to prosperity by supporting 'free market capitalism' and creating wealth and jobs.
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What was Rand's views on Church and state?
She was an atheist and believed that the church and state should be separate.
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What were her opinions about the role of the state?
She believed that the government should be as small as possible and should be there only to protect people i.e. police, army, legal system. (Hence not an anarchist)
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She developed the idea of Objectivism. What is Objectivism?
It means rational self interest - 'man exists for his own sake' - the rational pursuit of self interest is morally right.
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ROBERT NOZICK (1938-2002)
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What was Robert Nozick identified as?
A free market libertarian
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What did he argue in "Anarchy, State and Utopia"?
That humans owned themselves. By 'self ownership' individuals own their bodies, talents, abilities and labour. Therefore should not be forced to give those resources to others. Also its acceptable if people choose to harm themselves e.g. smoking.
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What was his Libertarianism based on?
It was based on Kant's idea that individuals cannot be treated as a thing, or used against their will as a resource, e.g. taxes to fund welfare are immoral, progressive taxation is wrong.
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What was his opinion on 'equality of outcome'?
That forcing equality is unjust
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What was his opinion on the states role?
He believed that the states role should be limited to the 'night watchman' state. It should be limited to the police, courts and military. He also believed that charities and voluntary groups should do most of the rest.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

In "Leviathan" (1651) what was his opinions on the government?

Back

The argued that a strong government was vital in order to protect people against chaos. That argued that left to themselves people were selfish and irrational so an authoritarian government was crucial to enforce order.

Card 3

Front

What theory did Hobbes develop and what is it?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Why do Libertarian New Right Conservatives not agree with this negative view on human nature?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

EDMUND BURKE (1729-1797)

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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