Human Imperfection: Unpredictable Society and Flawed Humanity (Michael Oakeshott) (Edexcel A-Level Politics): Revision Notes
5.3.5 Human Imperfection: Unpredictable Society and Flawed Humanity (Michael Oakeshott)
Context to Michael Oakeshott
- Michael Oakeshott (1901-1990) was a British political philosopher who significantly contributed to conservative thought in the 20th century.
- His ideas are often associated with a more philosophical and less ideological approach to conservatism. Oakeshott's work emphasises the limitations of human reason and the complexities of human life, making him a key figure in the tradition of conservative scepticism.
- He is best known for his works such as Rationalism in Politics (1962) and On Human Conduct (1975), where he explores the nature of political authority, the role of tradition, and the limits of human understanding.
Human Nature and Imperfection
Oakeshott's conservative philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that humans are inherently imperfect and limited in their capacities. He argued that humans are not capable of fully understanding or controlling the complex and unpredictable nature of society.
- According to Oakeshott, human beings are driven more by passions and emotions than by rational thought, which makes them prone to error and misjudgment. This view of human nature contrasts sharply with more optimistic perspectives that emphasise human perfectibility through reason or ideology.
- Oakeshott believed that the recognition of human imperfection should lead to a cautious and pragmatic approach to political decision-making. Instead of attempting to impose grand designs or utopian schemes on society, Oakeshott advocated for a more modest and realistic approach that accepts the limitations of human understanding and the unpredictability of social life.
Society and Unpredictability
In Oakeshott's view, society is not a machine that can be engineered or designed according to a specific plan. Rather, it is a complex and organic entity, shaped by the accumulated experiences and traditions of countless generations. Because society is unpredictable and constantly evolving, Oakeshott argued that attempts to control or radically change it are likely to result in unintended consequences and failures.
Oakeshott believed that political leaders should focus on managing society's existing complexities rather than trying to reshape it according to abstract principles. He suggested that the best way to govern is through a process of gradual adaptation and the preservation of established practices, rather than through revolutionary change or rationalist schemes.
The State and Political Authority
Oakeshott's views on human imperfection also influence his understanding of the state and political authority. He argued that the role of the state should be to maintain order and stability, rather than to pursue ambitious projects of social or economic reform. The state should be a guiding, but not overbearing, force in society, recognising that its ability to shape human behaviour and social outcomes is limited.
For Oakeshott, political authority should be exercised with humility and restraint, acknowledging that rulers are as prone to error as the ruled. He was sceptical of the idea that the state could or should be used to perfect society or to achieve grand ideological goals. Instead, he believed that the state's primary function is to preserve the conditions necessary for individuals to pursue their own lives, within the framework of established traditions and customs.
Impact on Conservative Thought
Oakeshott's emphasis on human imperfection has had a significant impact on conservative ideology. His work reinforces the conservative preference for gradualism, tradition, and scepticism of radical change.
- By highlighting the limits of human reason and the unpredictability of society, Oakeshott provided a philosophical foundation for the conservative belief in the importance of tradition, established institutions, and a cautious approach to governance.
- Oakeshott's ideas also underscore the conservative view that political and social stability are more valuable than the pursuit of abstract ideals. His scepticism towards rationalism and his emphasis on the complexities of human life resonates with the broader conservative scepticism of utopianism and ideological certainty.