MPT Reviewer PDF

Michael Oakeshott: Conservatism Philosophy of Experience Human experience is diverse and categorized into modes (scientific, historical, practical, and philosophical). Criticized reducing human life to purely rational or scientific perspectives. Critique of Rationalism in Politics...

Michael Oakeshott: Conservatism Philosophy of Experience Human experience is diverse and categorized into modes (scientific, historical, practical, and philosophical). Criticized reducing human life to purely rational or scientific perspectives. Critique of Rationalism in Politics Politics cannot be entirely guided by reason or expert knowledge. Advocated for traditions and practical knowledge over rigid ideological frameworks. Role of Tradition Emphasized gradual, evolutionary change within inherited traditions. Viewed politics as negotiation and compromise, not ideological vision-building. Skepticism of Ideology: Believed ideologies oversimplify human complexities and ignore practical wisdom. Joseph de Maistre - Authoritarian Conservatism Supremacy of Papal Authority: The Pope holds ultimate spiritual and temporal power; authority derived from divine right. Rejection of Social Contract Theories: Political authority is rooted in divine providence, not human agreements. Absolutism and Centralized Power: Advocated for centralized, undivided sovereignty to maintain societal stability. Theological Basis of Governance: Emphasized that legitimate governance aligns with divine and moral principles. Benjamin Disraeli - Paternalistic Conservatism Social Unity and Reform: Balanced conservative principles with strategic reforms (e.g., extending suffrage to the working class). Advocated for a unified society through his “One-Nation Conservatism” philosophy. Imperialism and National Dominance: Supported the expansion of the British Empire as crucial for national power. Critique of Industrial Capitalism: Believed the elite have a moral duty to address social inequalities. Defense of Tradition with Adaptation: Emphasized cautious, evolutionary changes rather than radical reforms. Emma Goldman - Anarchism Critique of Authority: Opposed state control and organized religion as inherently oppressive. Argued that democracy often disregards minority rights. Individual Freedom and Autonomy: Emphasized personal freedom, rejecting coercive societal structures. Social Justice and Equality: Believed true freedom requires ensuring equality, especially advocating for women’s rights. Direct Action: Advocated for direct resistance and mutual aid as means to dismantle injustice. Mikhail Bakunin - Anarchism Critique of Authority and Hierarchies: Opposed all forms of centralized authority (political, religious, social) as oppressive. Advocacy for Anarchism: Called for the abolition of the state and hierarchies to achieve a society based on voluntary cooperation. Emphasis on Individual Liberty: Believed in economic and social autonomy through decentralized self-governance. Revolutionary Practice: Supported direct action, underground movements, and decentralized worker cooperatives. Vision of a Stateless Society: Envisioned a society based on mutual aid, solidarity, and the absence of political domination.