Edmund Burke (1729-1797) - Traditional Conservative

Edmund Burke, another prominent figure in traditional conservatism, emphasized the importance of tradition, gradual change, and organic society in his political philosophy.

Highlight: Burke supported the American Revolution but criticized the French Revolution, illustrating his nuanced approach to political change.

Key Works:

• Reflections on the Revolution in France

Human Nature: Burke was skeptical of human nature but less pessimistic than Hobbes. He believed humans were capable of kindness and altruism if their actions were rooted in history, tradition, and Christian teachings.

Quote: "Society is but a contract between the dead, the living and those yet to be born."

Society and State: Burke viewed society as organic and multi-faceted, composed of "little platoons" in a natural aristocratic hierarchy. He believed the state should be driven by a hereditary elite acting with a sense of public service.

Vocabulary: Little Platoons - Burke's term for local communities that help prevent selfish individualism.

Economy: Burke supported free markets and laissez-faire economics, emphasizing the importance of property rights and the state's role in protecting them.

Example: Burke's support for free trade and property rights aligns with modern conservative economic principles.

Modern Relevance of Conservative Thinkers

This final page likely discusses the ongoing relevance of Hobbes, Burke, and Oakeshott to contemporary political thought and conservative ideology.

Example: Burke's emphasis on gradual, organic change continues to influence modern conservative approaches to policy-making and social reform.

Key points may include:

• Influence on modern conservative parties and movements
• Relevance to current political debates
• Critiques and adaptations of their ideas in the modern context

Highlight: For students of A-level Politics, understanding these thinkers' ideas is essential for analyzing current conservative policies and ideologies.

The page may also touch on how these thinkers' ideas compare to other political philosophies, such as liberalism or socialism, providing a broader context for understanding conservative thought.

Vocabulary: Conservatism - A political philosophy emphasizing traditional institutions, stability, and gradual change.

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) - Traditional Conservative

Thomas Hobbes, a key figure in traditional conservatism, developed a pessimistic view of human nature and society, arguing for the necessity of a strong state to maintain order.

Highlight: Hobbes lived through the tumultuous period of the English Civil War, which greatly influenced his political philosophy.

Key Works:

• Leviathan
• Behemoth

Human Nature: Hobbes held a cynical view of human nature, believing humans to be selfish, calculating, and competitive. He argued that without formal authority, relations between humans would be marked by "envy, hatred, and war."

Quote: "A perpetual and restless desire for power after power that ceaseth only in death."

Society and State: Hobbes contended that society could only exist with stability, authority, and order, requiring obedience and loyalty to a sovereign. He proposed a social contract theory where people come together to create a sovereign with absolute power to ensure order and stability.

Definition: Social Contract - An agreement among individuals to form a government and abide by its rules in exchange for protection and order.

Economy: Hobbes believed that constructive and enduring economic activity was impossible without a state guaranteeing order and security.

Example: Hobbes' famous description of life in the state of nature as "nasty, brutish, and short" underscores his belief in the necessity of a strong state.