Pols 257 Class 5 Lecture: Oakeshott and the Conservative Disposition

Class Learning Objectives:
• Explain Oakeshott’s critique of political rationalism
• Describe Oakeshott’s account of the conservative disposition.
• Evaluate Oakeshott’s account of conservatism.
• Evaluate the similarities and differences between Oakeshott, Burke, and Hayek
Required Reading:
• Oakeshott, Michael. (1962) 1991. “Rationalism in Politics.” In Rationalism in Politics and Other Essays, 5-42. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund. (Moodle)
• Oakeshott, Michael. (1962) 1991. “On Being Conservative.” In Rationalism in Politics and Other Essays, 407-37. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund. (Moodle)