Michael Oakshott

• State

  Good government is pragmatic to preserve social order and reaching compromises with society

  to provide support and protections - hold society together

  Free markets - create greatest wealth

  Government may be required to intervene in economy if it threatens social stability
• Policies of Conservative Government during COVID-19

  Vaccines

  Domestic regulations - self isolation

  Buy one get one free - many fast food places to help the economy
• Human nature

  • complex and unpredictable, emphasising the limitations of rational planning
  • politics should be about managing the present rather than pursuing ideological goals
• Human nature: Counterpoints

  1. social democrats: believe power of reason and planning to solve social issues
  2. liberal feminists: advocate rational policies and reforms to improve society
• Society

  • saw society as a product of tradition and customs
  • valued practical knowledge and experience over theoretical constructs
  • advocating for a pragmatic approach to social organisation
• Society: Counterpoints

  1. libertarians: prioritise individual autonomy and rational self interest in societal organisation
  2. marxists: seek to redesign society based on theory and principles
• State

  • favoured a limited government focused on maintaining order and tradition
  • authority should provide a moral compass and stability
• Economy

  • market economy
  • emphasised importance of traditional moral values and social practices
  • skeptical of extensive regulation or planning that disregards accumulated wisdom
• Economy: Counterpoints

  1. neo-liberals: favour deregulated markets to foster innovation and growth
  2. socialists: prefer economic planning and regulation to achieve equality
• Tradition

  • crucial
  • providing a moral compass and continuity
  • tradition should guide political decisions and prevent the hubris of utopian idealism
• Tradition: Counterpoints

  1. neo-liberals: argue for innovation and change over adherence to outdated traditions
  2. social democrats: often see tradition as an impediment to progress and social justice
• Equality

  • skeptical of enforced equality, viewing it unnatural and potentially disruptive to social order
  • emphasised the importance of respecting natural differences and hierarchies
• Equality: Counterpoints

  1. democratic socialists: advocate for equality in all aspects of life to promote social justice
  2. social liberals: support policies to reduce inequality and promote equal opportunities
• Example

  • Theresa May's Brexit Approach- May tried a pragmatic Brexit deal, reflecting his idea of practical government over dogma
  • Bipartisan Deals in Congress like Infrastructure Bill 2021- aimed at practical solutions
  • Tony Blair's Third Way- mixed free markets with social justice policies - his idea that governments should balance pragmatism with tradition