ideologies conservatism

• Thomas Hobbes


  16th / 17th century philosopher
• Hobbes' view of human nature

  • Ruthlessly egotistical and likely to commit cruel and destructive acts
  • Driven by unflinching self-interest
• Hobbesian state of nature


  A place of scarce resources where individuals would be driven by unflinching self-interest, 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short'
• Hobbes' view of the state

  • Arises 'contractually' from individuals seeking order and security
  • To serve its purpose, the state's power must be concentrated and awesome
• Hobbes' view of society

  There can be no 'society' until the creation of a state brings order and authority to human affairs
• Hobbes' view of the economy

  Constructive and enduring economic activity is impossible without a state guaranteeing order and security
• Edmund Burke


  18th century philosopher
• Burke's view of human nature


  • Sceptical: the 'crooked timber of humanity' is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement
  • We may conceive of perfection but are unable to achieve it
• Burke's view of the state


  Should be constitutional, but driven by an aristocratic elite, reared to rule in the interests of all
• Burke's view of society


  Organic, comprising a host of small communities ('little platoons') which check the power of the state
• Burke's view of the economy


  Trade should involve 'organic' free markets and laissez-faire capitalism
• Michael Oakeshott


  20th century philosopher
• Oakeshott's view of human nature

  • Forgiving: humanity is mainly benevolent, especially when focused the routines of everyday life
• Oakeshott's view of the state


  • Should be guided by tradition and practical concerns
  • Pragmatism, not dogmatism, should be its watchword
• Oakeshott's view of society


  Localised communities are essential to humanity's survival and well-being
• Oakeshott's view of the economy

  Free markets are volatile and unpredictable; they may require pragmatic moderation by the state
• Ayn Rand


  20th century philosopher
• Rand's view of human nature

  • 'Objectivist': we are guided by rational self-interest and the pursuit of self-fulfilment
• Rand's view of the state


  • Should confine itself to law, order, and national security
  • Any attempt to promote 'positive liberty', via further state intervention, should be resisted
• Rand's view of society

  • In so far as it exists, society is atomistic: the mere sum of its individuals
  • Any attempt to restrict individuals in the name of society should be challenged
• Rand's view of the economy


  Free-market capitalism is an expression of individualism and should not be hindered by the state
• Robert Nozick


  20th / 21st century philosopher
• Nozick's view of human nature

  • Egotistical: individuals driven by a quest for 'self-ownership', allowing them to realise their full potential
• Nozick's view of the state


  The 'minarchist' state should merely outsource, renew, and reallocate contracts to private companies providing public services
• Nozick's view of society

  • Society should be geared to individual self-fulfilment
  • This may lead to many small, variable communities reflecting their member's diverse tastes and philosophies
• Nozick's view of the economy

  The minarchist state should detach itself from the economy, merely arbitrating disputed between private economic organisations