The Philosophy of Michael Oakeshott

Michael Oakeshott: A Philosopher of Conservative Thought

Michael Joseph Oakeshott (1901-1990) was a prominent British philosopher known for his influential contributions to conservative thought. Despite his father's involvement with the Fabian Society, a group advocating for gradual socialist reforms, Oakeshott developed his own distinct philosophical perspective. He studied at Cambridge University, where he later became a fellow at Gonville and Caius College. His seminal work, "Experience and its Modes" (1933), established him as a philosophical idealist, diverging from the dominant philosophical currents in Europe. Oakeshott questioned the legitimacy of political philosophy, arguing that its preoccupation with practical affairs precluded it from achieving genuine philosophical insight.

Oakeshott's Critique of Rationalism and Embrace of Tradition

Oakeshott's philosophy was marked by a profound skepticism towards rationalism and a deep appreciation for the role of tradition in society. He contended that the complexity of the world exceeds the capacity of human reason to fully comprehend, advocating for a societal structure that respects these cognitive limits. His critique of rationalism is most notably articulated in "Rationalism in Politics" (1962), where he describes politics as a complex and unpredictable realm. Oakeshott's pragmatic approach led him to view conservatism not as an ideology with a fixed set of doctrines but as a disposition that favors the known and tried over the new and speculative, and the concrete over the abstract.

The Evolution of Oakeshott's Political Theory

Over the years, particularly during his tenure as a Professor of Political Science at the London School of Economics (1951-1969), Oakeshott's political theory matured. He focused on the nature of knowledge and the significance of experience in human affairs. He distinguished between historical and scientific modes of experience, emphasizing the subjective nature of human understanding. Oakeshott's anti-rationalist position was a rebuttal to the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, instead championing the value of traditional knowledge that evolves from collective historical experience and established practices.

Civil Association: Oakeshott's Alternative to Rationalist States

Oakeshott critiqued the rationalist model of 'enterprise association', which seeks to achieve abstract goals such as equality and freedom, proposing instead the model of 'civil association'. He argued that states should be organized not around lofty, often unachievable ideals, but rather around the rule of law, which safeguards individual freedom and allows citizens to pursue their own objectives. This model underscores the importance of individual experience and judgment, eschewing universal moral principles or natural rights in favor of a societal order maintained through legality and civil interaction.

Oakeshott's Influence on Education and the Rule of Law

Oakeshott's conservative philosophy also informed his views on education and the rule of law, as evidenced in his works "The Voice of Liberal Learning" (1989) and "On Human Conduct" (1975). He regarded education as a vehicle for cultural continuity, introducing new generations to the collective wisdom and practices of their society. This intergenerational 'conversation' was a key aspect of the conservative commitment to preserving established traditions. In "On Human Conduct", Oakeshott explored the foundations of the rule of law, advocating for a societal framework that prioritizes individual autonomy and civil order over the collective pursuit of abstract objectives.

Legacy of Michael Oakeshott

The intellectual contributions of Michael Oakeshott to conservative philosophy and political theory have had a lasting impact. His critiques of liberalism, socialism, and other ideological systems are still relevant and studied for their depth and insight. Oakeshott's death on December 19, 1990, did not diminish the significance of his work, which continues to influence political thought. His emphasis on the primacy of tradition, his critique of rationalism, and his concept of civil association remain foundational to contemporary conservative philosophy.