Conservatism and thinkers views
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Questions and Answers

What was Thomas Hobbes' view of human nature?

  • Humans are naturally selfish, competitive, and prone to conflict, requiring a strong authority to maintain order. (correct)
  • Humans are inherently good and cooperative.
  • Humans are neutral and shaped by society.
  • Humans are primarily influenced by their environment and culture.

What is Hobbes' 'state of nature'?

  • A condition where individuals live in harmony.
  • A situation where laws govern society.
  • A hypothetical state where life without authority would be 'nasty, brutish, and short.' (correct)
  • A period marked by widespread cooperation and peace.

What did Hobbes argue was the purpose of the state?

  • To impose order and prevent chaos through a social contract where individuals surrender some freedom for security. (correct)
  • To ensure absolute freedom for all individuals.
  • To allow individuals to act solely on their instincts.
  • To promote a communal ownership of resources.

What is Edmund Burke's key contribution to conservatism?

<p>Burke emphasized tradition, gradual change, and respect for established institutions as vital for social stability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Edmund Burke often considered the father of modern conservatism?

<p>Due to his emphasis on the importance of tradition and gradual change for maintaining social order. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Burke view society?

<p>As an organic entity that evolves over time, binding generations through tradition and shared values. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Burke reject the French Revolution?

<p>He opposed its radical rejection of tradition and the violent pursuit of abstract principles like equality. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Michael Oakeshott’s main idea about politics?

<p>Oakeshott believed politics should focus on pragmatic governance, preferring familiarity and tradition over idealistic schemes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Ayn Rand’s central belief in her philosophy of objectivism?

<p>Rand emphasized rational self-interest, individual freedom, and a limited state to protect property rights and personal liberty. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Rand's view on welfare and state intervention?

<p>She opposed welfare and state intervention, arguing they undermine individual responsibility and freedom. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Robert Nozick’s view on the role of the state?

<p>A minimal state focused solely on protecting individual rights, such as property and personal safety. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Nozick reject redistributive taxation?

<p>He believed it violates individual liberty by forcing individuals to give up earnings that they are entitled to. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Burke's concept of change differ from radical ideologies?

<p>Burke supported gradual, evolutionary change rather than revolutionary upheaval. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Hobbes' idea of the 'Leviathan'?

<p>A powerful state or sovereign authority is necessary to prevent anarchy and ensure peace. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Rand believe about capitalism?

<p>capitalism as the only moral system because it respects individual freedom and rewards effort and talent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Nozick associated with libertarian conservatism?

<p>He stressed the importance of personal liberty, a free market, and minimal state involvement in people's lives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Burke’s idea of ‘little platoons’ reflect conservatism?

<p>It supports the concept of small, local communities and institutions in maintaining social stability and nurturing values. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the common thread in the views of Hobbes, Burke, and Oakeshott?

<p>A belief in the importance of authority, tradition, and pragmatism in maintaining societal order. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the conservative view of human nature?

<p>Human nature is flawed, imperfect, and driven by self-interest, requiring guidance and order. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is pragmatism in conservatism?

<p>Practical decision-making based on tradition and experience rather than abstract ideology. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do conservatives value tradition?

<p>Provides stability, continuity, and a sense of identity by passing down tried-and-tested practices. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the conservative belief in hierarchy?

<p>A natural hierarchy and unequal distribution of power are essential for social stability and order. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do conservatives mean by organic society?

<p>Society is like a living organism, where all parts are interconnected and have a role (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do conservatives support authority?

<p>To maintain social order and stability by providing clear rules and discipline. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is paternalism in conservatism?

<p>The belief that the ruling class has a duty to care for and guide the less fortunate, much like a parent to a child. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the conservative stance on private property?

<p>It is essential for stability, responsibility, individual freedom and economic prosperity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the Conservatism thinkers to a summary of their views.

<p>Thomas Hobbes = Order and authority to prevent chaos. Edmund Burke = Tradition, organic society, and cautious reform. Michael Oakeshott = Pragmatism and skepticism of ideology. Ayn Rand = Individualism and free-market capitalism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the Conservatism thinkers to a summary of their views.

<h1>Robert Nozick = Libertarianism and minimal state intervention. Benjamin Disraeli = Addressing social inequality Michael Oakeshott = Pragmatism and skepticism of ideology.</h1> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hobbes' view of human nature

Humans are naturally selfish, competitive, and prone to conflict, needing strong authority for order.

Hobbes' state of nature

A hypothetical situation where life without rules is 'nasty, brutish, and short'.

Purpose of the state (Hobbes)

To create order and prevent chaos through social contract; individuals give up some freedom for security.

Burke's contribution to conservatism

Emphasis on tradition, gradual change, and respect for established institutions for social stability.

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Burke's view of society

Society is a living entity that develops over time, connecting generations through shared values and tradition.

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Burke's rejection of French Revolution

Burke opposed the Revolution's radical rejection of tradition and violent pursuit of abstract ideals like equality.

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Oakeshott's view on politics

Politics should focus on pragmatic governance, preferring established practices to idealistic schemes.

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Rand's central belief

Individualism and self-reliance as the primary social virtues, against altruism.

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Rand's view on welfare

Opposed welfare and state intervention; these undermine individual responsibility and freedom.

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Hobbes' Philosophy

Hobbes' political theory based on human nature as selfish and the need for strong government to curb conflict.

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