Core Conservative Thinkers and Their Ideas

Humans are naturally selfish, competitive, and prone to conflict.

A hypothetical state where life without authority is "nasty, brutish, and short."

To impose order and prevent chaos through social contract.

Respect for tradition and established institutions are vital for stability.

Society is an organic entity evolving through tradition.

Burke opposed the revolution's rejection of tradition.

Politics should focus on pragmatic governance.

Designing societies through abstract theories is dangerous.

Emphasizes rational self-interest and individual freedom.

A state focused solely on protecting individual rights.

Gradual, evolutionary change, not revolutionary upheaval.

A strong ruler needed to prevent chaos and ensure peace.

Humans are unpredictable and fallible, needing careful government.

Capitalism rewards hard work and individual freedom; it's morally superior.

Advocated for individual liberty, free markets, and minimal government.

Importance of local communities for social stability and values.

All emphasize authority, tradition, and practicality for society's order.

Favors gradual adjustments over revolutionary changes.

Capitalism is best as it respects individual freedom and initiative.

Hobbes, Burke, and Oakeshott believed strong authority was necessary to maintain order.

Oakeshott believed humans are fallible and unpredictable, requiring cautious governance and stability.

Rand saw capitalism as morally superior because it respects individual freedom and rewards effort and talent.

Nozick emphasized individual liberty, free markets, and minimal government interference in people's lives.

All three thinkers emphasized the importance of authority, tradition, and pragmatism in maintaining societal order.

Conservatism values tradition, established institutions, and gradual change to maintain societal order.

Rand's individualism and emphasis on free-market capitalism are more closely aligned with libertarianism than traditional conservatism.

Conservatives generally prefer cautious, incremental changes that respect existing institutions and traditions.

Individuals give up some freedom to a strong authority in exchange for security and order.

Society should change slowly and organically, respecting tradition and established hierarchies.

Focus on practical governance, not idealistic theories. Prioritize what works over abstract ideas.

Individuals are responsible for their choices and actions, and the state should be limited to protect their rights.

Because it violently overthrew tradition and established institutions, pursuing abstract principles like equality.

He criticizes attempting to design society based on abstract theories, emphasizing the importance of practical experience.

Against welfare and state intervention, believing they undermine individual responsibility and freedom.

He opposes redistributive taxation, arguing it is unjust to force people to surrender their earnings.

Justice arises when individuals acquire property through fair means and voluntary exchange.