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Book No. – 3 (Political Science – Western Political Thought)
Book Name – Western Political Thought (OP Gauba)
What’s Inside the Chapter? (After Subscription)
1. General Introduction
2. Justification of Conservatism
2.1. Nature of the State
2.2. Nature of Rights
2.3. Scope of Reform
2.4. Standard of Statesmanship
3. Conclusion
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Edmund Burke
Chapter – 14
General Introduction
Edmund Burke (1729-97) was born in Dublin, Ireland, then part of the British Empire.
Son of a prosperous attorney; educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and later studied law in London but lost interest in legal practice.
Entered politics and became a member of the House of Commons at age 37, serving most of his life.
Although middle-class, admired the landed aristocracy’s role in British politics and society.
Believed social stability depended on cultural continuity provided by a wealthy and leisure-class engaged in cultural pursuits.
Prolific writer with key works including:
Vindication of Natural Society (1756) – satirical
A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and the Beautiful (1757)
Thoughts on the Causes of the Present Discontents (1770)
Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790)
Thoughts on French Affairs (1791)
Letters on a Regicide Peace (1796-97)
Regarded as the key exponent of conservatism in political thought.
In Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790), argued the French Revolution (1789) was inspired by metaphysical ideals like liberty and natural rights disconnected from social-political realities.
Criticized the revolutionaries for destroying institutions along with rulers, leading to a regime worse than the one overthrown.
Conservatism
Conservatism refers to a political outlook that promotes respect for the long-standing social and political order. It discourages the adoption of new and untried ideas and institutions, and insists on maintaining those institutions which have stood the test of time. Aristotle is regarded an early exponent of conservatism. Its modern exponents include David Hume (1711-76), Scottish philosopher, and Edmund Burke (1729-97), Irish statesman. Burke believed that when a change was inevitable or it had already taken place, we should attempt to moderate it with a view to ensuring minimum disturbance in the existing order. Michael Oakeshott (1901-90), English philosopher, is regarded a contemporary exponent of conservatism.