Human Nature

• Hobbes:

  -Humans morally, intellectually and psychologically flawed- therefore doctrines and ideologies designed by humans are inherently flawed

  -Human nature driven by self-interest

  -'needy, vulnerable and easily led astray'

  -Individualistic

  -No government or structure of society = 'a state of war'- humans only care about self-preservation

  -Humans motivated by base desires and impulses: concept links to the idea of 'original sin' from the Bible

  -Humans rely on tradition and culture for an identity and rootedness
• Burke:

  -Individualistic but also communal

  -Humans morally, intellectually and psychologically flawed: more pragmatic approach to avoid flawed doctrines and ideologies

  -Humans motivated by base desires and impulses

  -Humans rely on tradition and culture for an identity and rootedness

  -Self-interest a driving factor, but individuals are not solely motivated by selfishness: there is a sense of loyalty and duty to a community
• Oakeshott:

  -Individualistic

  -Humans morally, intellectually and psychologically flawed- therefore doctrines and ideologies designed by humans are inherently flawed

  -Politics of faith: human imperfection means that it is beyond the ability of human beings to understand reality

  -Pragmatism
• Rand:

  -Individualistic

  -Atomism

  -Only when the individual comprehends the true nature of reality do they independently achieve self-realisation and self-fulfilment

  -Individuals are rational

  -Highest moral purpose to achieve personal happiness

  -Rejects human imperfection: 'Man must be the beneficiary of his own moral actions' - a potential for human achievement and greatness

  -Self-ownership rooted in objectivism
• Nozick:

  -Individualistic but importance placed on voluntary association with a community

  -Self-ownership: individuals own their bodies, talents, abilities and labour

  -Tradition- emphasis of traditional family roles