Sarah Alford
Dr. Timothy Kersey
POLS 2270
8 October 2014
A Comparison of Classical Political Ideology and the Influence of Human Nature
The most basic fundamental difference between classical conservatism and classical liberalism is the perception of human nature. Opposing explanations and characterizations of human nature is the most significant difference between the two ideologies because it is the source or baseline from which all other ideas surrounding an ideal form of government are founded upon. The evolution of the two political doctrines can be traced to English intellectual and philosopher Thomas Hobbes, who authored the Leviathan, which was influenced by the ramifications of the civil war between the Crown and Parliament …show more content…
Locke proposed that self-preservation does not hold precedence over all of the basic human impulses as concluded by Hobbes, but instead the impulse for self-preservation is limited by a sense of natural law. Locke laid the groundwork of liberal ideology by championing the conception and importance of individual liberty. He supports this idea by expanding on human nature and asserting that humans possess the fundamental capability for logic and rational reasoning. In Locke’s Letter concerning Toleration, his assumptions about human nature are again utilized in his expression of the form of an ideal government. Locke argues for the revolutionary and radical idea of separation of church and state and mandatory toleration of religious differences, which is a fundamental component of liberalism. In Two Treatises of Government, human nature is once again used as a basis for defining the ideal relationship between individuals and government. Locke advocates for a government with limited powers instituted to preserve and protect the human rights of life, liberty and …show more content…
While some viewed the French Revolution as a valiant effort in establishing a government grounded in recognition of individual liberty, the atrocities committed by French freedom fighters during the Reign of Terror became of point of criticism for Edmund Burke. Burke, who is considered to be the founder of classical conservatism, made his argument against liberalism by asserting that liberal definition of human nature was inaccurate. Burke reacted against the core of Lockean principle by asserting that human nature is imperfect and primarily influenced by unrestricted passion and emotion instead of reason and logic, therefore, the ideal role of government is to restrain individual passion in order to conserve social stability. Burke argues that liberals are misinformed on their understanding of society. Where liberalism promotes the idea of individualism and an atomistic society, Burke counters by contending that individuals are part of an interconnected organic society and are inescapably affected by the decisions of others in private affairs. Burke also disagrees with the liberal belief that desirable social change occurs from innovation and a radical break from existing structures and instead prefers gradual social change to prevent moral decay and social disorder, which would disrupt the organic system of society. Burke’s view of human nature is significant because it
Dr. Timothy Kersey
POLS 2270
8 October 2014
A Comparison of Classical Political Ideology and the Influence of Human Nature
The most basic fundamental difference between classical conservatism and classical liberalism is the perception of human nature. Opposing explanations and characterizations of human nature is the most significant difference between the two ideologies because it is the source or baseline from which all other ideas surrounding an ideal form of government are founded upon. The evolution of the two political doctrines can be traced to English intellectual and philosopher Thomas Hobbes, who authored the Leviathan, which was influenced by the ramifications of the civil war between the Crown and Parliament …show more content…
Locke proposed that self-preservation does not hold precedence over all of the basic human impulses as concluded by Hobbes, but instead the impulse for self-preservation is limited by a sense of natural law. Locke laid the groundwork of liberal ideology by championing the conception and importance of individual liberty. He supports this idea by expanding on human nature and asserting that humans possess the fundamental capability for logic and rational reasoning. In Locke’s Letter concerning Toleration, his assumptions about human nature are again utilized in his expression of the form of an ideal government. Locke argues for the revolutionary and radical idea of separation of church and state and mandatory toleration of religious differences, which is a fundamental component of liberalism. In Two Treatises of Government, human nature is once again used as a basis for defining the ideal relationship between individuals and government. Locke advocates for a government with limited powers instituted to preserve and protect the human rights of life, liberty and …show more content…
While some viewed the French Revolution as a valiant effort in establishing a government grounded in recognition of individual liberty, the atrocities committed by French freedom fighters during the Reign of Terror became of point of criticism for Edmund Burke. Burke, who is considered to be the founder of classical conservatism, made his argument against liberalism by asserting that liberal definition of human nature was inaccurate. Burke reacted against the core of Lockean principle by asserting that human nature is imperfect and primarily influenced by unrestricted passion and emotion instead of reason and logic, therefore, the ideal role of government is to restrain individual passion in order to conserve social stability. Burke argues that liberals are misinformed on their understanding of society. Where liberalism promotes the idea of individualism and an atomistic society, Burke counters by contending that individuals are part of an interconnected organic society and are inescapably affected by the decisions of others in private affairs. Burke also disagrees with the liberal belief that desirable social change occurs from innovation and a radical break from existing structures and instead prefers gradual social change to prevent moral decay and social disorder, which would disrupt the organic system of society. Burke’s view of human nature is significant because it