Edmund Burke
1729-1797 Anglo-Irish conservative
British writer:
Biography:
Protestant Anglo-Irishman, studies law in London, elected to Parliament
1790 Reflections
on the Revolution in France “Manifesto
of the Counter Revolution”
first self-consciously
conservative writer reacting to actual events
motivated by realistic fear of French
Revolutionary actions
Critique of 1) Enlightenment natural law / political
theories; 2) French Revolution
1) POLITICAL THEORY: NATURAL
VERSUS INHERITED RIGHTS
Enlightenment
establishes concept of natural rights & natural law
uses these concepts to argue
against the existing system in France
French Revolution: theoretical
justification for overthrow of monarchy, feudalism
Declaration of Rights of
Man & Citizen as clearest statement of these issues
Burke attacks the concept of “Rights of Man”
as abstract, fabricated, not natural
instead:
inherited, concrete, historical rights,
ancient liberties: 1688 (Bill
of Rights) vs 1649 (assertion of new rights)
Enlightenment as universalist,
all men have rights;
conservatives appeal to “inherited
tradition” of a person’s own country
defend the current
political and social system
aristocratic distaste for
levelling tendencies
ability
versus property: French Revolution, bourgeoisie – careers open to talent
Burke: need to protect concept of
inherited property or established classes
will be ruined by
upcoming “talent” – rejects” arithmetical equality”
Reflections
written shortly after the October Days of 1789
sentimental,
idealized concept of royalty
focus on
violation of the Queen’s private chambers & person
“naked force”
of French Revolution revealed in these moments
imagery of rape: “The decent drapery of life was rudely
torn off.”
What will be the result? terms of political interaction are disrupted:
“Kings will be tyrants from policy when
subjects are rebels from principle.”
no room for noblesse oblige when citizens are making
demands.
the violence of the Revolution.