Burke

Front 1

Who did Burke blame for inspiring the French Revolution?

Back 1

Rousseau. Letter to a Member of the National Assembly (1791)

Front 2

What was Burke’s problem with the claims of the French Revolutionaries?

Back 2

They were based on abstract ideas, which are not sufficiently grounded in the experience and hard work of political society.

Front 3

What is the great practical consequence of the French claims?

Back 3

The majority of those now living would define and do with the life, liberty and property of others as they see fit. This is the sovereignty of the present generation a.k.a. consent theory.

Front 4

\Why does Burke argue that our liberties ought to be inherited or handed down rather than claimed as inherent or natural rights?

Back 4

Inheritance is the only way to guarantee that they are transmitted from generation to generation. Relying on the majority threatens transmission of justice and liberty.

Front 5

Describe the differences between Burke’s understanding of the social contract and Rousseau’s.

Back 5

• For Burke, the social contract is intergenerational.
• No single generation has a right to abrogate the contract.
• Society is extended in time and requires the wisdom of the past.
• Rousseau’s social contract, according to Burke, inhibits our ability to regard the past with anything but disdain; thus, it hinders our ability to look forward.

Front 6

How can one argue that Burke reminds us of Aristotle?

Back 6

• Organic conception of the state
• Duty of the wealthy to superintend society and provide for its spiritual, cultural, material well-being.
• Unequal contributions to society justify inequality in political power.

Front 7

What would be the Burkean critique of trying to establish liberty and self-government through revolution or force of arms?

Back 7

• Virtue and wisdom are the necessary qualifications of government and these take a long time to develop

Front 8

Does Burke argue that there are pre-political rights?

Back 8

• Yes but there is no pre-political right to rule
Generally speaking, we have a right to do what we can do, without trespassing on our neighbor

Front 9

Liberal contract theory like that practiced in America posits that all political power comes from the people. Burke argues that political power has either divine or natural origins. Why?

Back 9

Divine or natural authorization also means limitation => there are some things that government cannot do, even if the governed consent to it (e.g. taking private property).