Oakeshott's Philosophy and Political Thought
37 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What metaphor does Oakeshott use to describe the relation of different modes of thought?

  • A game of cards
  • A dialogue (correct)
  • A debate
  • A conversation

    • How does Oakeshott differentiate philosophy from other voices in conversation?

  • It follows strict rules of logic.
  • It aims to persuade others.
  • It has absolute authority over knowledge.
  • It is parasitic on other voices. (correct)

    • According to Oakeshott, what is not a characteristic of philosophy?

  • It does not attempt to persuade.
  • It is adept at conversation.
  • It makes minds clear.
  • It consists of a body of knowledge. (correct)

    • What is the significance of Oakeshott's metaphor of conversation in relation to philosophy?

    <p>It emphasizes dialectic over eristic forms of discourse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What point does Oakeshott consistently maintain about philosophy?

    <p>It should not aim to persuade others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does Oakeshott view philosophy in relation to other idioms of discourse?

    <p>As a voice of a different kind.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does O'Sullivan argue regarding the status of philosophy in discourse?

    <p>It lacks priority and special authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Oakeshott imply about the nature of philosophical knowledge?

    <p>It is disconnected from the practice of philosophical inquiry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'eux' signify in the context of utopianism according to Plato and Aristotle?

    <p>Both a wish and a prayer for perfect order</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Plato and Aristotle view the realization of the ideal order in society?

    <p>They considered it a matter of chance and circumstance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of the utopianism discussed in the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle?

    <p>To serve as a standard for evaluating existing social orders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean when it is stated that the ideal order is an object meant to be accepted only by decent people?

    <p>It is a moral guideline that excludes unworthy individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the philosophers' view on making predictions about the future social order?

    <p>They explicitly avoided making any predictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a political theory typically reflect regarding its creator's perspective?

    <p>It is shaped by an interest in improving a perceived bad situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might a conservative political theory be characterized in terms of its orientation?

    <p>It aims for the preservation of existing structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the assessment of facts play in political theory according to the content?

    <p>Facts help shape future political policies and theories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosophical stance does Locke’s theory specifically advocate for?

    <p>The establishment of government based on the consent of the governed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the discussion about political theory, what is meant by 'partizan bias'?

    <p>Theories tend to support one particular political agenda or ideology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception about political theories as suggested in the content?

    <p>They can be entirely objective and neutral.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept is indicated as a significant element in the development of political theories?

    <p>A response to situations viewed as problematic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied about the philosophical discussions surrounding political theories?

    <p>They are often derived from practical and interested observations of facts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Plato and Aristotle believe regarding political philosophy?

    <p>It has some practical use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied as a reasonable international policy in the content?

    <p>Decent imperialism is preferable to indecent imperialism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text suggest is necessary to defend a reasonable political policy?

    <p>A genuine political philosophy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what would have made the proof of the reality of motion unnecessary?

    <p>A general acceptance of Zeno's philosophy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did political philosophers play in the context of the religious wars in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?

    <p>They helped to enlighten public opinion regarding toleration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of the 'helplessness' regarding political philosophy as discussed in the content?

    <p>It highlights the need for philosophical guidance when facing erroneous teachings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what was the outcome of the policy of toleration?

    <p>It emerged from the intellectual work of political philosophers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the 'reasonable policy' refer to when discussing human nature?

    <p>It acknowledges the limits of human hopes and wishes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'philosophy' imply regarding the possession of truth?

    <p>Philosophy signifies a constant search for truth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best captures the essence of philosophical inquiry according to the content?

    <p>Philosophy reveals clear knowledge of problems, not solutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What fundamental issue is highlighted about political philosophy in the content?

    <p>There is no universally accepted answer to its fundamental questions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what qualities are deemed essential for successful political action?

    <p>Common sense, practical wisdom, and shrewd estimation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the 'anarchy of the systems' refer to in the context of philosophy?

    <p>The lack of consensus among philosophical theories over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the content describe the fundamental questions of philosophy?

    <p>They remain unanswered despite evolving interests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between political philosophy and practical wisdom according to the content?

    <p>Practical wisdom is an alternative to political philosophy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the content suggest about the ability to seclude certain questions from philosophy?

    <p>It does not resolve the questions but evades them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Oakeshott's Philosophy

    • Oakeshott's philosophy emphasizes the importance of relating a subject to the concrete totality of experience.
    • He views philosophy as a conversation among different voices, each representing a different mode of thought.
    • Philosophy has a unique role in this conversation due to its lack of a body of knowledge and its non-eristic nature. It explores the quality and style of each voice.

    Political and Social Philosophy

    • Political theory is influenced by past events and future ambitions.
    • Political theories often have a partizan bias, advocating for specific political ideologies.
    • There is no such thing as a disinterested political theory because all political theories are rooted in some interest.

    Limits of Philosophy

    • Philosophy cannot provide definitive solutions to fundamental questions about human nature or the nature of the state.
    • The anarchy of philosophical systems is a recurring phenomenon that reflects the inherent challenges posed by philosophical inquiry.
    • While philosophy can offer insights into issues of governance and policy, it does not provide a definitive guide for action.

    Utopianism

    • Political philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, have often embraced a form of utopianism, seeking to discover the "natural" order of society.
    • This utopianism is characterized by a focus on ideals, recognizing a gap between the ideal and reality.
    • It's not about predicting the future but about offering a standard for evaluating social and political arrangements.
    • The ultimate goal is to identify directions for improvement and progress towards a more just society.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Module 1 - Political Theory as Political Philosophy PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores Oakeshott's philosophical views on the relationship between experience and thought, as well as the influence of political ideologies on political theory. It examines the limitations of philosophy in addressing fundamental questions about human nature and governance. Test your understanding of these complex ideas.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser