Traditional Conservatism

• Human Nature (Hobbes)


  Cynical: individuals are selfish and driven by ruthless desire for supremacy and security
• The State (Hobbes)


  The state arises 'contractually' from individuals who seek order and security. To serve its purpose it needs to be autocratic. There needs to be a state for a civil society and it ends to be strong on law and order
• Society (Hobbes)


  There can be no 'society' until the creation of the state brings order and authority to human affairs. Life until then is 'nasty, brutish and short'
• Economy (Hobbes)


  Constructive economic activity is impossible without guaranteeing order and security
• Books (Hobbes)


  Leviathan (1651)
• Human Nature (Burke)


  Sceptical: the 'crooked timber of humanity' is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement. We may conceive of perfection but are unable to get it. Changes need to be cautious due to this
• Economy (Burke)


  Trade should involve 'organic' free markets and laissez faire capitalism
• Books (Burke)


  'Reflections on the Revolution in France' (1790)
• The State (Burke)


  Arises organically and should be aristocratic, driven by hereditary elite and reared to rule in the interests of all. Believed in empiricism
• Society (Burke)


  Localism: society is organic, made up of lots of smaller communities and organisations 'little platoons' founder in viewing society as an organ
• Human Nature (Oakeshott)


  Modest: humanity is at its best when free from grand designs and when focused on the routines of daily life. More optimistic: humans are "imperfect not immoral", humans can enjoy the small things in life
• The State (Oakeshott)


  The state should be guided by tradition and practical concerns. Pragmatism is a key focus. Believed we need a police force and judiciary to prevent disaster and act as a deterrent
• Society (Oakeshott)


  Localised communities are essential to humanity's survival, especially when guided by short term requirements rather than abstract ideas. We can never create a utopia but we can strive to live better and do better
• Economy (Oakeshott)


  Free markets are volatile and unpredictable and may require pragmatic moderation by the state "To keep to boat afloat", Keynesian economy
• Books (Oakeshott)


  On Being Conservative (1962)