About the author
English philosopher (1901–1990), the most distinguished British conservative thinker of the twentieth century. This 1962 collection of essays argues against 'rationalism' in politics — the belief that society can be governed by abstract technique and explicit doctrine alone. Oakeshott defends practical, traditional, tacit knowledge and a sceptical, non-ideological understanding of political activity as 'the pursuit of intimations' rather than the pursuit of blueprints.
Synopsis
A critique of rationalist politics and an argument for practical knowledge, tradition, and political humility.
Core passage idea
Paraphrase · Modern copyrighted workOakeshott criticizes the belief that politics can be fully governed by abstract technique.
This deepens conservatism beyond nostalgia: political knowledge is often practical, inherited, and tacit.
To avoid a bubble
Pair with Enlightenment liberalism or socialist planning arguments.
Reading note
Good after Burke for a modern British conservative voice.
Best paired with
Immanuel Kant, What Is Enlightenment?