The Philosophy of Michael Oakeshott
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Michael Joseph Oakeshott was a British philosopher who significantly influenced conservative thought. He critiqued rationalism, emphasizing the importance of tradition and the rule of law in society. Oakeshott's works, such as 'Experience and its Modes' and 'Rationalism in Politics', argue for a pragmatic approach to politics and a civil association model of the state. His legacy continues to shape political theory and the understanding of conservative philosophy.
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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.
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Life and Influences
Early Life and Education
Oakeshott's upbringing and education, including his father's involvement with the Fabian Society
Cambridge University and Career
Fellowship at Gonville and Caius College
Oakeshott's career at Cambridge University, including his fellowship at Gonville and Caius College
Development of Philosophical Perspective
Oakeshott's distinct philosophical perspective, diverging from dominant European currents
Philosophy and Political Theory
Skepticism towards Rationalism
Oakeshott's skepticism towards rationalism and appreciation for the role of tradition in society
Critique of Rationalism in Politics
Politics as a Complex and Unpredictable Realm
Oakeshott's view of politics as a complex and unpredictable realm, as described in "Rationalism in Politics"
Pragmatic Approach to Conservatism
Oakeshott's view of conservatism as a disposition that favors the known and tried over the new and speculative, and the concrete over the abstract
Knowledge and Experience
Distinction between Historical and Scientific Modes of Experience
Oakeshott's distinction between historical and scientific modes of experience, emphasizing the subjective nature of human understanding
Anti-Rationalist Position
Oakeshott's rejection of the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, championing the value of traditional knowledge and practices
Importance of Individual Experience and Judgment
Oakeshott's belief in the importance of individual experience and judgment, eschewing universal moral principles in favor of a societal order maintained through legality and civil interaction
Education and Rule of Law
Education as a Vehicle for Cultural Continuity
Oakeshott's view of education as a means of passing down collective wisdom and practices to new generations
The Model of 'Civil Association'
Oakeshott's proposal for a societal framework based on the rule of law and individual autonomy, rather than abstract goals
Foundations of the Rule of Law
Oakeshott's exploration of the foundations of the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of individual freedom and civil order
The Philosophy of Michael Oakeshott
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Oakeshott's main contribution to conservative thought
Influential in shaping modern conservatism; emphasized tradition, skepticism of rationalism in politics.
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Oakeshott's relationship with the Fabian Society
Father involved with Fabians; Oakeshott diverged, developing independent philosophy.
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Oakeshott's academic affiliation
Studied at Cambridge; became a fellow at Gonville and Caius College.
