Oakeshott's Relationship to Hegel

Abstract

In a discussion of Oakeshott's early influence by Hegel & British idealists, the author of this chapter delineates Oakeshott's critiques of the liberalist conceptualization of the individual relative to the purposive nature it imposes on the state (Leo Strauss, Rousseau, Hegel, Bosanquet, Green). The intellectual evolution to a Hobbesian skepticism of authority & individuals allows for a synthesis of Hobbes & Hegel to further critique liberal atomism by arguing for a socially constructed individual with rights to her choices, in an environment of government limited to the creation of peace. Liberal democracy is recognized as the best form of social integration yet developed. In his later work, "On Human Conduct," Oakeshott places his concept of the individual embedded in civil association to allow for moral practices that are chosen because of a "freedom inherent in agency." The atomism of liberal political philosophy has thus been overcome, but Oakeshott still lacks an Aristotelian moral dignity that would generate allegiance to the political community. 22 References. J. Harwell