5.3.5 Human Imperfection: Unpredictable Society and Flawed Humanity (Michael Oakeshott)

Context to Michael Oakeshott

• His ideas are often associated with a more philosophical and less ideological approach to conservatism. Oakeshott's work emphasizes 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

• 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 emphasize 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

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

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 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.