Burke and his

 Book Excerpt: A prestigious book, which, two years before the French Revolution written by British writer Jan Theory can not meet the needs of scholars of the 20th century. This version has the advantage of full income of the Burke Yanjiang Lu in the French Revolution of eight lectures. This 8 or because of their importance, or because in some way represent the Park Funk, all of them remains credible historical documents from finishing. This 8 is entitled: speech focuses on his views of the French Revolution, described the French Revolution in 1790--1794 between the impact on British politics.
Burke fiercely opposed to the French Revolution. In his book, full of passion and Earned dripping style to the principle of violent attacks on the French Revolution that the French Revolution, the impact of violence and fundamentally shaken the foundation of social order and freedom, to all the good traditions destroyed. Zhonghuo revolution has destroyed people's slogan order rights and the rule of law, making all kinds of different interests to reconcile with each other and no longer have their place. He predicted that this will eventually lead to devastation of a new emergence of autocratic power, only to be able to maintain this authoritarian society free full of chaos and collapse in.
recent years, foreign scholars on the discussion of conservatism and liberalism and warm up, and Burke is the UK's most conservative theorist, therefore, read this edition of the the French Revolution, br> HISTORY
HISTORY MONTHLY
2003 No.3 P.79-85
Burke Political Thought
On Burke 's Political Ideas
Qinsheng Jun
Abstract: Edmund Burke political and ideological content of numerous and also more academic debate, although he was generally regarded as the godfather of conservatism, but it also has the face of liberalism. To fully grasp the thinking of Burke, it seems to be two-pronged approach: (1 ) of political affairs in the United Kingdom and its colonies, he often showed the liberal side. However, from the perspective of the history of political thought in England, Locke laid the foundation stone is a departure from the principles of liberalism. (2) the issue of the French Revolution, His ideas show more conservative elements, and this idea led directly to the Whig party split, but also heighten the Conservative Party later; that conservatism used in the United Kingdom and its colonies in the political affairs may be appropriate, but if used to guide other countries is absurd, or even (561) = 41 Document code: A
Article ID :0583-0214 (2003) 03-0079-07
Author: Qin Shengjun (1969 -), male, Henan Yanjin people, Nanjing University, Department of History Ph.D., History of Political Thought in Britain.
Author: Qin Shengjun (Department of History, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210093)
since the 20th century, 90 years, Chinese scholars started to pay attention Burke's political thought, and its works of translation, review and research the growing number (Note: The Commercial Press has published two books of translation Burke, one of the Zhaowu such as translation of the Note: Burke's conservatism takes to abide by the social customs, habits and traditions of the value, emphasizing the role of religion; in politics, respect for the existing order and authority, against the abstract theory to guide political life, build political and social, against the French Revolution, that it is rational guidance complex political life, denying all traditional models. Burke's ideological conservatism, activate the mainland, which draw inspiration from Edmund Burke to oppose the French Revolution to create a theoretical weapon. but France and other continental countries situation is quite different from the UK, if Burke's conservatism with conservative English-style freedom, worthy of the words of the composition, the mainland is the old-fashioned conservatism, reactionary synonymous.) dark theme, not when the beating of the liberal (Note : John Locke laid the foundation stone by the liberal ideas, advocating individual liberty, limited government, rationalism, egalitarianism, the revolutionary people's sovereignty and rights. Burke's freedom of thought is mainly manifested in the idea of limited government, opposed the autocratic king.) Nightlife movement. But his only academic circles generally located in the conservative, and this idea to hold an almost unqualified praise attitude, this may be debatable (Note: see Liu Junning Club 1998 edition), Edmund and Freedom mm. Burke's political thought Basically, the idea of scholars who appreciate the attitude of Burke, Burke agreed to the attack on the French Revolution.).
A Biography
Burke (Edmund Burke, 1729m1797), he was familiar with was a well-known and writer's words, is However, the political acumen, eloquence only to future generations Tocqueville and Winston Churchill can match the politicians, political commentator, but it is a tragic figure, is a never won the confidence of the Whig party leader, life is not living within the party positions; of his appeal against the French Revolution, leaders of the response was The Whig Party, and liberals conservatives been dubbed the father of descendants of the title. of such a character, it is necessary to outline the broad-brush all his life.
Burke was born in June 1729 in Ireland Dublin, his father was a solicitor, a Protestant, a Catholic mother, the mother of his religious belief on a considerable .1744 studying at Trinity College Dublin, studied classical languages, Latin skilled enough to appreciate the West Luo works .1750 years to Middle Temple in London to study law, but soon lost interest in the law and study tours in England and France, may be the future at this time developed a habit of his appreciation of the traditional medieval society in attitude .1757 published called years of a cousin (William Burke) recommending to become leader of the Whig Party, Lord Rockingham (Rockingham) to enter the House of the secretary, he served as the office until the latter died in .1774 in 1782, he was elected Bristol (Bristol At that time the UK's second largest city) and MP for a term of 6 years .1780, as the control of Mr Lord Rockingham Malton constituency MP until the next retirement in 1794. Sangzaizhitong and in his later years the hatred of the French Revolution through the .1797 in July died in Buckinghamshire, England. [1] (p651-653)
Throughout Burke's life, there are two characteristics: First, learning classical and law makes him the political career has some theoretical basis to help the breadth and depth of his thought; second, more important, his 30 years in politics, long-term political practice temper his thoughts.
two political thought Burke Summary
Burke in England spent most of his life, is a fully England of the people. his political thought deeply stained the color of British empiricism, not a system point of view a lot of boards scattered speech, parliamentary debate, brochures, letters and more formal works. Some scholars believe that this style of thinking is precisely fit its contents, if scholastic papers to express, may lose its essence. [2] (p688) Burke's ideological involved content is very heterogeneous, indicating the diversity of its sources. He thought the main concept resides in its freedom, the state view and the view of reform and revolution.
Burke believes that every individual can do independently, as long as does not infringe other people have a right to do; the same time, he is entitled to reasonable from the overall interests of society where the sharing of certain share. [3] (p8) before the sentence is modern liberalism's basic principles of rationality, the latter one is a classical, Middle means, stressing the indivisibility of freedom and social groups, social freedom means freedom is the obligation of a mutual relationship. He further explained that the social:
freedom is not isolated, non-contact, personal, selfish freedom, it seems that each person can adjust according to their own will, all his acts. I said, freedom is the freedom of society, this freedom is a state of society in this state, the freedom is limits through the implementation of equality; this is a structure of social freedom, in this structure, individual freedom, the freedom and all groups of freedom can not find any violations of social virtue and channels to any individual or any categories of human freedom. This freedom is just a synonym for justice. It is full of wisdom from the strict law to determine, by a series of well-established system to protect. [3] (p105-106)
speaking from the origin freedom is not innate, but quite the contrary. He said: All life is equally down to the first subject that the great eternal law (God, natural law) hh if the person's mercy is God's arrangement, then such dominance must be the eternal law of God given the constraints . It is the birthright of humanity. an abstract, a priori human rights. Burke also stressed the relationship between liberty and property: people can not maintain the spirit of independence; individuals can not freely dispose of their property and can not remain free. He further argues: question (whether the right to freedom of consent and the tax resides) hh tax, the most sharp pen and most eloquent tongues have been showing off its edge, the most high spirits all this fighting, this bow hh in all monarchies, the people must actually have the power to dispose of its property, whether by direct or indirect way, or even the shadow of freedom can not exist. inextricably linked with the traditions and social freedom: from the vertical perspective, freedom is a historical continuity, succession; in the horizontal, the free society and other concerned persons and bodies, freedom exists in the relationship between the individual and society, freedom is a responsibility , legal, institutional and property rights is the existence of the elements of freedom.
on national origin, Burke agreed to Aristotle, the state as a result of natural growth, from family to the village and then to city . [4] (Volume I, Chapter II) organisms such countries may help explain the concept of respect for Burke's thought as sacred country. He said: should be maintained due diligence. words and the ancient Romans res populi (meaning commonwealth in everyone's interests should be respected and maintained by the lower classes can not hold their own advantage on the amount of pressure on top of a small number of (hereditary aristocracy and monarchy). He said: person's despotism, tyranny, but the majority is the expansion of autocratic .the property of their class, each in his position, ; to leisure activities in the training of intelligence, so the people can not play a leading role in political affairs. He said: ,],[grew up in the environment, when the fetus has not seen and heard enough from any dirty dirty things hh hh among the list of wealthy merchants are diligent and work hard, pay attention to order, perseverance, the virtues of coherent, with a focus on the commercial justice, literacy and habits hh Without these people there would be no nation and country. excellent quality and become the backbone of the national leadership, responsible for maintaining the interests of all parties and freedom. The concept of natural aristocracy legacy of Christian humanism seems to reproduce: with political wisdom and virtue should become the country's leadership core. But he too much emphasis on origin, property condition, so he preferred to have titles, and has been involved in industrial and commercial activities to influence the hereditary nobility. In addition, the writings of Burke's views are often quoted Cicero, Cicero on the mixed system of government firm belief in the life of Cicero mm by the noble virtues and wisdom to serve the country to have an immortal reputation, [5] (Volume I, Section 45) which are in tune with the Burke. Burke's patriotism, on the The traditional respect for Cicero, also without exception have impact. Burke, another concept of national state is a succession of mm mm also Cicero property is no different. [5] (Volume I, No. 46 section; Volume II, Section 1, p. 16) emphasis on national inheritance Burke, an exercise intended to avoid popular at the time of origin of the state contract, as opposed to hierarchical theory of contract, doubt the existing political order.
Burke on a firm belief in natural law. He believed that natural law or God's written law than human law, customary law, of all regions are applicable to all human beings, with universal binding. any law contrary to natural law are unjust, anti-moral, and therefore null and void. His belief in the Hastings impeachment case presented thoroughly (Note: But Burke and other attacks on Hastings may be the government of Pitt distrust of political parties wishing to overturn prompted by motives of interest..) He said: , a gentleman outlined a pattern of geographical and moral science, according to this pattern, people in the public domain and private domain of responsibility has nothing to do with the great masters of the universe, without the need to declare their disposal hh put the moral law is universally -all laws. actively involved in British political practice, political thought made him more specific, more empirical color. He noted: the purpose of or all purpose. Its goal is satisfied the aspirations of all pregnant to ensure that people fully realize all your wishes. hh personal freedom in other European countries from the customs system and various lifestyle rather than national laws; in England , then has been the direct target. many people like to admit. As island, England do not have to maintain a standing army, it is not able to Continental royal despotism to be due to the absolute one.), traditional customs, feudal relations, religious power and the throne of the dispute, although England appear many male owners, but has been unable to produce continental royal despotism. King Chief to respect the convention, to be the consent of Burke era, George III (1760m1820 year reign) by buying old Mr King returned to the executive power, home has become the practice expense of the cabinet system, the implementation of individual will, which caused a revolt in Congress, which was just entering career in an excellent training opportunities Burke made his first political wisdom can be revealed. in a book entitled , he's not a violation of the Constitution that the words of George, Bill, but its spirit. Meanwhile, he also explained the party's role in political activities. In any Member of Parliament Bristol, Burke thought the Members in Parliament role, the role made famous on the members comments. In his view, Members in the Council should be representative, which can act independently on behalf of national interests, rather than the delegate, is subject to voters on behalf of regional interests (Note: 1780 years, Burke advocated precisely because members of their own practice in the Council should play a role in the loss of Bristol board representation..) as described previously in cases of impeachment in 1783 gave the East India an important thought Burke opportunities. The outbreak of the French Revolution, Edmund Burke may be most affected, and that the their political ideas. In fact, Burke has never been systematically express the basic tenets of their own (this may be unaffected because of his scholastic system of education), he always make a concrete analysis of specific transactions, reflects his typical style of British empiricism: a focus on experience, tradition, tradition and respect for the past give way; abstract metaphysical theory as unproven instrument of social reform, the role and scope should be strictly limited. But perhaps precisely because, as a politicians, only immersed in the practical political problems, so his lack of forward-looking approach, limiting the breadth of his thought.
Although Burke respect for tradition, for the maintenance of the existing system, but does not seem to oppose the change. He recognition of changes in society and should be an appropriate response, however, reiterated in the new environment should be included in the value of tradition. He made a change and reformation of that change to change the substance of the object is the ;; reformation is not a fundamental correction of the object, but not not desire, but the purpose of reform is to preserve tradition. He said: ; [3] (p111) , the first should have the prudence (prudence). Prudence is the most respected politicians Burke should have virtues. He said: . prudence will lead us to acquiesce in some limited program will not lead us to vigorously promote the infinitely perfect plan (to implement these plans to the entire social structure must be broken). Reason for thousands of years is far from an accurate understanding of the system of inheritance, habits inherent wisdom, will they abandon or stove is dangerous, irresponsible behavior, only to follow precedent, it may be less careful to make mistakes. But Burke can tolerate reform more generally for the technical administration, even so, Burke-style reforms to proceed, but also to meet the many difficult to meet the take a long time, requires a lot of hard work and patience, the need for superb strategy, the need for many people and disposition of the joint, but also need to have the opportunity not appear every day. Freedom and Tradition House of Representatives elections in order to form an extension of the franchise and the redistribution of seats based on population motion. Burke big plus opposition claims election should be based on reality or interest, rather than geographic or population-based. he is convinced that any government authority, in essence, as is customary. See Burke: Construction of the Constitution rather than a fantasy. [2] (p708)
despite apathy Burke reform, support for reform is also very limited, determined conservative and defend the cause of Irish self-government point of view, he is liberal Whig aristocracy. Akelexiao (Eccleshall) that, although this time the Whig aristocracy against the arbitrary power also, but still insist on the traditional social hierarchy concept: a middle class against lower class implementation of the guidance and protection. [7] (p17) Maike Lan (McClelland) also believes that, despite arguments from the history to find support for their point of view is generally regarded as right, but the 18th-century England, love Whig Party is free to seek arguments from the typical history, it invented the backward-looking liberalism, the history of political thought from the background of the British point of view, a departure from Locke to Burke laid the basic principles of liberalism, such as equality, rationalism, popular sovereignty, people, universal suffrage, the revolutionary rights. With The outbreak of the French Revolution, the color of his increasingly bleak liberalism, conservatism is more and more intense colors.
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Burke and the French Revolution, Edmund Burke of the UK if the apathy of political reform, support limited, then, on the French Revolution has always held a negative attitude completely.
1789 after the outbreak of the French Revolution, after a brief judgments, Burke wrote the position. The book attacks the UK some of the first advocates of political reform, the political community support of the French Revolution, praised the British evaluation, and then carefully written to attack the French revolution pursued by the Constituent Assembly adopted all the principles and revolutionary measures, such attacks are sometimes turned into abuse. At the same time, he strongly praised the traditional European society, religion, customs, habits and institutions, They lament the destruction of the decline. this book part of the French Revolution attacked far less on the British political tradition of study and awareness of the value of the more exciting and more convincing. [9]
Indeed, the Enlightenment school of thought which had been clarified justice in line with the Government and the new relationship between citizens, the revolutionaries task now is to try to establish such a relationship (this problem does not exist the UK, they just continue to maintain and improve this relationship only), so the Constituent Assembly Burke has done a lot of the blame as the removal of the old system and the establishment of the new system in accordance with the work of the Enlightenment doctrine. French people want in their own dig a gap between the past, get rid of all the shackles of the past, from reason and natural law to replace the rule of law drawing of the complex contemporary society traditions ideal of living is not fair, but also ignorance of the revolution. George, a famous scholar of the Great Revolution. Lefebvre said: They are thinking about the specific facts of whom feel the pain. The main practical reasons), occupy the country but do nothing job Yaojin, but also exclusive bear the heaviest burden on the public to be allowed to rule; in France, the aristocracy until the demise of the right to remain free, as compensation for losing the right to rule. [10] (p136) may be precisely because of the French aristocracy of the waiver of the right to rule, leading to the French the establishment of royal absolutism. Alexis de Tocqueville and profoundly pointed out that since the beginning of the 15th century, French kings would no longer cooperate with the national taxation without authorization, and gradually erode the freedom of the French Middle Ages. to the age of Louis the King, royal peak, the political Freedom gone. (Note: In fact, Burke also recognized the political development of Britain and France, grandparents, unfortunately, a case different from his cherished British political changes, he lost the sense.) [ ,],[to resist tyranny and privilege, had to borrow the Enlightenment theory; and 18th century Europe and France has been far out of the darkness of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Enlightenment had before the Reformation, the movement more and more people are re- understanding of human class life, and present possible options for improvement. Enlightenment, in particular, believe that human beings can use reason to improve their lives and achieve happiness in life of this world. When the third grade once aware of their power, the reality of injustice and They should enjoy the rights as human beings, they will no longer hesitate to abandon the past and work towards a more rational requirements of society, not only to establish a Hatton believes that the French have a more enthusiastic pursuit of equality far-reaching historical reasons: the not with the new system (feudal system) to coordinate [12] (p432). and Americans founding principles of the Enlightenment school of separation of powers also foreshadowed the life example of free unlimited prospects. Xiye Si-like tone, the Prophet said: ? is everything, is bound for all the oppressed. not privileged class, the third level would it be? is everything, is free to all thriving. No third grade, will achieve nothing; no privilege level, all the more smooth. , praised the French people according to the heart of the pointedly noted that Burke opposed the French Revolution, stupidity ...