“to what extent do conservatives agree on human nature” (copy)

1. Intro

• Conservatives agree that humans are imperfect

• Isolation leads to a breakdown of social order

• Only neoliberals disagree with this

1. Human potential

• Traditional Conservatives- believe that society is unequal and arranged in natural hierarch, the ruling class has a noblesse oblige relationship with the weaker elements

• Traditional Conservatives- believe that human nature is flawed on several fronts

• Traditional Conservatives- humans are are selfish creatures motivated by selfish impulses- need a state to control and restrict our human nature

• Hobbes- humans desire power and material gratification.

• However:

• Edmund Burke- Humans are not ruthlessly individualistic but human nature complex them to band together in supportive communities

• Oakeshott- humans are capable of benevolence

• Burke disagrees with neoliberal principle that decision making should be based on rationalistic ideas- scope of human reason is poor

• Neo liberals- humans are rational so can achieve their potential by making their own decisions in their own self interest which in their view is not a bad thing

2. Community

• Both one nation/traditional conservatives advocate against “anomie”- if human are isolated, this will lead to social chaos and revolution- goes against the principles of pragmatism and organic society

• One nation Conservatives- therefore if workers are isolated and inequality is not acted upon then this can lead to revolutionary tendencies

• Burke “Little Platoons”- Human nature is naturally inclined to form a society or collective groups for advancement

• Neo Conservatives- humans need order/discipline/family values

• Traditional conservatives- place emphasis on traditions such as the church to guide human nature

• However:

• Neo liberals advocate for individualism and objectivism

• Advocate against “altruism” and the forced belief in helping others

• believe that inequality is natural- should be concerned with just ourselves so we can flourish- we are rational and therefore do not need the help of others

• NeoLiberals are not concerned with a lack of social bonds

• Ayn Rand- Objectivism- rejects altruism

3. The state

• Human nature- flawed intellectually, morally and psychologically

• Traditional Conservatives- believe that we need a strong state in order to control human nature

• One nation conservatives- naturally have a role in welfare

• Traditional Conservatives- need to impose values that will restrict human nature

• Hobbes- Human nature will make humans realise that we need a state in order to protect us from the “state of nature”- in our best interest

• However:

• Neo Liberals- human nature can flourish when there is no state imposed limitations

• Dependency is only created due to one nation principles of paternalism.

• Ayn Rand- state intervention prevents humans natural inclination towards individualism

• Human nature is rational- can make decisions ourselves

Conclusion:

• Conservatives disagree on human nature due to the differences in potential, human nature itself and how it should be constrained