To what extent are Conservatives united in their views on Human Nature? (24)

Agree: Human Nature Leads to Disorder Without the State

• Conservatives broadly agree human nature tends towards disorder without an authoritative state.

• Hobbes (Leviathan): Without a strong state, life becomes “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.” Humans are self-interested → conflict → need a powerful sovereign to impose order.

• Trad & One-Nation Conservatism: Emphasise need for a stable, hierarchical society upheld by the state. Burke: “Men are qualified for civil liberty… by putting moral chains on their appetites.” External constraints = peace & stability.

• New Right: More optimistic about human nature but still believe a strong state is needed for order. Rand: Govt must protect rights and prevent violence between self-interested individuals.

• Overall: Conservatives differ in how positive they view human nature, but unite in believing a strong state is essential to prevent disorder.

Disagree: New Right rejects Trad & One-Nation Belief in Human Imperfection

• Trad & One-Nation conservatives: Humans are morally, psychologically & intellectually flawed, so need guidance from institutions (family, Church, state).

• Burke: Long-established institutions provide moral restraint.

• Oakeshott: State should be paternalistic; politics is like steering a ship cautiously through uncertain waters.

• New Right: Reject human imperfection; see individuals as rational, self-interested & capable of self-governance.

• Rand: Self-interest is a moral virtue; altruism creates dependency (Virtue of Selfishness).

• Conclusion: Major ideological split—New Right rejects traditional belief that humans are inherently imperfect.

Disagree: Whether Society & Communities are Important in Guiding Human Nature

• Trad Conservatives: Humans are imperfect but can be improved through institutions.

  • Oakeshott: Humans “noisy, foolish and flawed” but can be “benign and benevolent” with stable customs.

  • Burke – “little platoons”: Family, Church & local communities provide belonging, moral guidance, and restrain imperfection.

• One-Nation Conservatives: Agree but add need for practical state support in industrial society.

  • Disraeli’s reforms (e.g., Public Health Act 1875): Improving living conditions strengthens social cohesion.

• New Right: Reject need for societal or state guidance; see society as atomistic.

  • Nozick – self-ownership: Individuals should control their bodies/labour without interference; welfare creates dependency.

• Conclusion: Split over whether communities are essential in shaping flawed humans or whether individuals should self-govern.

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