The Moral Basis of Burke's Political Thought An Essay

First published in 1956, this volume constitutes an attempt to identify the moral basis of Burke's political thought. Given Burke's stated belief that contingent political systems are held together by an essential basis in moral principles, this can be seen as a problem of fundamental importance in gaining an understanding of his theories. The obvious difficulty of such an exposition consists in attempting to create common ground between abstract concepts and the mutability of the empirically observed world. The author meets this difficulty with an approach based upon the subtle analysis of particular aspects in Burke's moral thought as they interact with the world. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in philosophy, political theory, and the development of the British political system.

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Burke's interpretation of contract theory; 3. The natural relation of society and government; 4. The attempt to realise abstract natural rights; 5. Burke's criticism of the abstract idealism of the French revolution; 6. Burke's conception of the moral order; 7. The religious basis of Burke's moral belief; Notes.

This 1956 volume constitutes an attempt to identify the moral basis of Burke's political thought. Given Burke's stated belief that contingent political systems are held together by an essential basis in moral principles, this can be seen as a problem of fundamental importance in gaining an understanding of his theories.