Human Nature

Cards (5)

  • 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