Burke's Political Anti-Philosophy
According to Burke, what
rights are there in the State of
What rights are there in
civil society?
The importance of convention rather than
natural rights. (Who is he
disagreeing with? What other philosopher
has a view of this kind?)
What rights does Burke oppose?
Why does Burke oppose
democracy, at least, for large European countries?
Burke's Opposition to Making
Philosophy the Foundation of Legitimate Government
What mistakes does he think political
philosophers have made?
(a) in
epistemology?
(b) in
political philosophy?
(c) in
practice?
Burke's particularism: Abstract principles vs. good judgment in
particular cases. Burke denies that
there are any exceptionless
principles in politics.
What would Burke substitute
for reason as a foundation for the state?
Religion and piety. Also chivalry.
Why is tyranny of a majority
worse than tyranny of a single prince?
What is Burke's antidote to
tyranny (of a monarch or of a majority)?
Burke's
arguments for tolerance in religion and philosophy.