Conservatism and Michael Oakeshott

CONSERVATISM AND ITS INTELLECTUAL FOUNDATIONS

Introduction to Conservatism

  • Conservatism represents a political philosophy that emerges as a response to modernity, emphasizing a cautious approach to change and valuing tradition, community, and established social orders.

Key Figures in Conservatism

  • Edmund Burke: Author of "Reflections on the Revolution in France" (1790), a foundational text for conservative thought.

  • Michael Oakeshott: Notable for his essays on rationalism and conservatism, critically engaging with the role of reason in politics.

Core Essays for Further Study

  • Rationalism in Politics: Examines the limitations of rationalism and the importance of tradition and practical knowledge in politics.

  • On Being Conservative: Discusses the nature of conservatism and its distinction from other political ideologies.

  • Other recommended essays include: "Rational Conduct" and "Political Education".

The Conservative Challenge to Political Theory

  • Conservative thought challenges three main ideas prevalent in political theory:

    1. Abstracting from History:

    • Many political theories assert that it is possible to identify an ideal or best world, echoing sentiments from Plato a.s.o.

    1. Philosophical Reason as a Guide:

    • Influences include thinkers like Hobbes, Bentham, and Rawls who believed in reconstructing society to align with philosophical ideals.

    1. Reconstruction of Society:

    • This involves making the world conform to these ideals, which conservatism often questions as not desirable or feasible.

Conservatism's Response to Circumstances

  • Burkean Response:

    • Addressed challenges such as the rise of mass society, the decline of traditional communities, and attacks on established order stemming from the French Revolution.

    • An emphasis on defending society against corrosive individualism.

  • Oakeshott’s Perspective:

    • Critiques the modern conception of individualism and emphasizes the significance of early modern communal institutions.

    • Calls attention to the massive growth of state power in the twentieth century and its implications for individual liberties.

The Rationalist Critique of Politics

  • Rationalism's Definition:

    • Represented by a mindset that values reason above all else and often questions authority and tradition. Rationalists seek to apply a technical problem-solving approach to politics.

  • Misconceptions of Politics:

    • Rationalists view political activity akin to engineering; governance is a means to impose ideological blueprints on society. Oakeshott warns of the limits of rationalism in a complex social landscape.

  • The Rationalist's Mistake:

    • A fixation on imposing perfection through ideologically driven policies often leads to adverse outcomes due to the unpredictable nature of social change and innovation.

The Nature of Knowledge in Politics

  • Types of Knowledge:

    • Practical Knowledge:

    • Essential for political engagement; practical knowledge is gained through experience and cannot be learned purely through books or theory.

    • Technical Knowledge:

    • Emphasizes the need for both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience to navigate political realities effectively.

  • Oakeshott critiques rationalists as lacking the essential practical understanding that comes from long involvement in political and social activities.

Politics and Practical Knowledge

  • Conception of Political Activity:

    • Politics is embedded in customs, traditions, and institutions that inform the norms of conduct and decision-making within society.

    • Oakeshott’s view likens political engagement to acquiring fluency in language—an intuitive understanding developed through immersion.

  • Stability vs. Change:

    • Politics is focused on sustaining existing institutions and traditions rather than attempting to engineer radical transformations.

The Conservative Disposition

  • Defined as a preference for the familiar, the traditional, and the proven over the radical, the speculative, and the untested.

  • Key characteristics of conservatism include:

    • Equilibrium between stability (familiarity and comfort) and change (risk and novelty).

    • People tend to resist change instinctually, valuing continuity over upheaval.

Conservative Politics

  • Metaphor of Sailing:

    • Politics is akin to navigating a ship on an unpredictable sea—there is no fixed destination but the challenge is to maintain balance and stability using available resources.

  • State as Enterprise Association:

    • Contrasts with rationalist views:

    • Rationalists view government as a tool to direct and construct society.

    • Conservatives advocate for limited government that supports individual freedom and self-directed enterprises, emphasizing the rule of law and minimal intervention in personal pursuits.

Civil Association and Limited Government

  • Advocates for a 'Small State' approach, critical of central planning and social engineering.

  • Emphasizes the role of free markets as reflections of the collective wisdom of individual decisions, rather than top-down directives from state authority.

Conclusion: Shared Understandings in Conservative Thought

  • Both Edmund Burke and Michael Oakeshott share a deep skepticism toward grand ideological projects and a recognition of the complexities of social and political structures.

  • They champion practical wisdom derived from tradition and experience over abstract ideologies, which they consider dangerous in their potential for creating chaos and instability.

  • Conservatism is depicted not as a unified vision but as an attitude that acknowledges the richness of human experience and societal complexity.