Core Conservative Thinkers and Their Ideas

Core Conservative Thinkers and Their Ideas

• Hobbes' view of human nature: Humans are naturally selfish, competitive, and prone to conflict. This requires a strong authority to maintain order.
• Hobbes' "state of nature": A hypothetical state where life without authority is "nasty, brutish, and short."
• Purpose of the state (Hobbes): To impose order and prevent chaos through a social contract where individuals surrender some freedom for security.
• Burke's contribution to conservatism: Emphasized tradition, gradual change, respect for established institutions, and social stability.
• Burke's view of society: An organic entity evolving over time, binding generations through tradition and shared values.
• Burke's rejection of the French Revolution: Opposed its radical rejection of tradition and violent pursuit of abstract principles like equality.
• Oakeshott's idea about politics: Politics should focus on pragmatic governance, preferring familiarity and tradition over idealistic schemes.
• Oakeshott's "rationalism in politics": Critiqued attempts to design society through abstract theories, arguing practical knowledge is more important.
• Ayn Rand's objectivism: Emphasized rational self-interest, individual freedom, and a limited state to protect property rights and personal liberty.
• Rand's view on welfare and state intervention: Opposed welfare and state intervention, arguing they undermine individual responsibility and freedom.
• Nozick's view on the state: Advocated for a minimal state focused solely on protecting individual rights like property and personal safety.
• Nozick's rejection of redistributive taxation: Argued it violates individual liberty by forcing individuals to give up earnings they are entitled to.
• Nozick's entitlement theory of justice: Justice arises when individuals acquire property through fair means and voluntary exchange.
• Burke's concept of change: Supported gradual evolutionary change rather than revolutionary upheaval.
• Hobbes' "Leviathan": A powerful state or sovereign authority necessary to prevent anarchy and ensure peace.
• Oakeshott's view of human nature: Saw humans as fallible and unpredictable, requiring cautious governance and stability.
• Rand's view on capitalism: Viewed it as the only moral system because it respects individual freedom and rewards effort and talent.
• Nozick's association with libertarian conservatism: Stressed the importance of personal liberty, a free market, and minimal state involvement in people's lives.
• Burke's "little platoons": Reflects the importance of local communities and institutions in maintaining social stability and nurturing values.
• Common thread in Hobbes, Burke, and Oakeshott: All stressed the importance of authority, tradition, and pragmatism in maintaining societal order.