To what extent do Conservatives agree on Human Nature?

What do most Conservatives agree about human nature?

Humans are naturally imperfect - psychologically, intellectually and morally flawed. This leads Conservatives to reject political perfection, distrust reason alone, and oppose revolutionary change.

What did Hobbes believe about human nature?

Humans are aggressive, egoistic and fearful. Without authority, society collapses into violence. Humans naturally compete and therefore need order.

What is a key quote from Hobbes?

"The life of man is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short."

What did Burke think about human reason?

Humans are emotionally driven and limited in reason. They cannot design society safely. Society is an organism, not a machine.

What is a key quote from Burke?

"We are afraid to put men to live and trade each on his own private stock of reason."

What did Oakeshott believe about human nature?

Humans are "fragile and fallible". Knowledge is practical and situational. Politics should favour tradition over theory.

What is a key quote from Oakeshott?

"To prefer the tried to the untried."

What do Conservatives conclude from human imperfection?

Radical change is dangerous. Society should evolve slowly, guided by tradition and authority.

How does Hobbes differ from Burke and Oakeshott?

Hobbes thinks humans are rational but selfish; Burke and Oakeshott think humans are deeply irrational.

What does this difference show?

Even pessimism is not unified — Conservatives only partially agree.

How does the New Right view human nature?

Optimistic: humans are rational, independent and capable. They flourish when left alone.

What did Ayn Rand believe?

Humans are autonomous, rational and should pursue self-interest. Selfishness is a virtue.

What is a key quote from Rand?

"I swear... I will never live for the sake of another man."

What is Objectivism (Rand)?

Reality can be known through reason; morality should be based on rational self-interest.

What did Nozick believe?

Individuals are self-owning and entitled to their property. Society should not interfere in personal wealth.

Why does the New Right undermine conservative unity?

They reject the idea that humans are limited or dangerous. This directly conflicts with traditional conservatism.

Why do Traditional Conservatives (TC) and One Nation Conservatives (ONC) support paternalism?

Humans are weak and selfish. They need structure, authority and moral guidance.

What is natural aristocracy (Burke)?

Society should be led by its wisest and best, not by abstract equality.

What did Disraeli believe?

Britain was "two nations" (rich and poor). He argued for welfare and social duty.

What is noblesse oblige?

The rich have a duty to help the poor.

What is the ONC view of inequality?

Natural but dangerous if extreme.

Why does the New Right reject paternalism?

It creates dependency and destroys responsibility.

What is Rand's view on welfare?

Immoral and corrupting.

What is Nozick's view on redistribution?

It is theft.

What does rejecting noblesse oblige mean?

Rejecting social duty and moral responsibility of elites.

What is the evaluation of New Right on paternalism?

They abandon conservative duty and social cohesion.

Why do Conservatives value tradition?

It limits human foolishness, embeds morality, and reflects historic wisdom.

What is Burke's view on tradition?

Traditions are "God-given" and tested by history.

What is Oakeshott's view on tradition?

It prevents chaos by relying on experience.

What is the neo-liberal view of tradition?

Less emphasis on tradition; prefer individual freedom and markets.

What is a quote from Thatcher?

"Economics are the method."

What is the neo-conservative view?

Support traditional morality, family, authority and law.

What is the evaluation of tradition unity?

Conservatives only partially united on tradition.

What is the final judgement on Conservative unity?

Conservatives only agree at a basic level. They are divided on rationality, responsibility and morality. No unified view of human nature.