Mini lecture on the political philosophy of Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

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Mini lecture on the political philosophy of Edmund Burke (1729-1797)
by Darius Kadivar
24-Jul-2011
 


I came across a series of mini lectures which introduces various politiical thinkers in a very concise and understandable way. This one is about Irish statesman Edmund Burke (1729-1797) is mainly remembered for his support of the cause of the American Revolutionaries, and for his later opposition to the French Revolution.

A mini lecture on the political philosophy of Edmund Burke :



However debatable I found Edmund Burke's thoughts to be quite contemporary and pertinent given all that is going on today in the Middle East and the upheavels which are affecting equally Republics as well as Monarchies in the region. Proving if needed that it is not always the form of government which guarantees or defines democracy but rather a nation's exposure to democratic culture which can only be acquired with time and collective experience. For as much as individuals can be intelligent, collective wisdom which depends on our ability to work as a team, is far more difficult to achieve. As such Burke opposes the reliability of an Educated elite ( as was the case of those American Revolutionaries who drafted the American Constitution) to the unreliability of a violent Mob merely motivated by a Lynching Mentality ( as demonstrated by Maximillian Robespierre) so often demonstrated during Revolutions where blind vengeance becomes a tool of state terror.

 

 

Another interesting Outlook demonstrated by Burke is that contrary to popular belief « modernity » is not always a sign of« progress ». ( See Excerpts from a few Classic Films further down in this blog below)

 

Knock, Knock Abbas Milani Do you Hear ? …  ;0)

 

In Short Edmund Burke's philosophy can be summed up in this sentence : « The Government You are Entitled to is the Government you can afford »

 

I concur ! …



About Edmund Burke:

Edmund Burke (12 January 1729– 9 July 1797) was an Irish statesman, author, orator,political theorist and philosopher who, after moving to England, served for many years in the House of Commons of Great Britain as a member of the Whig party. He is mainly remembered for his support of the cause of the American Revolutionaries, and for his later opposition to the French Revolution. The latter led to his becoming the leading figure within the conservative faction of the Whig party, which he dubbed the "Old Whigs", in opposition to the pro–French Revolution "New Whigs", led byCharles James FoxBurke was praised by both conservatives and liberals in the 19th century. Since the 20th century, he has generally been viewed as the philosophical founder of modern conservatism as well as a representative of classical liberalism. ( More about him Here)

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REIGN OF TERROR VS ENLIGHTMENT:

French Revolution VS American Revolition

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The French Revolution of 1789 has served as a role model for subsequent revolutions particularly in the 20th century. But are the clichés and stereotypes which have shaped the French Revolutionary iconography pertinent today ?

Historian Simon Schama Slams philosopher Slavoj Zizek fascination for Robespierre:


American Revolution: John Laurens and The Cause of Liberty:

Colonial Americans were actually positively fascinated by the degree of civil liberties in Great Britain notably thanks to the British Bill of Rights before demanding the same rights back home. Michael Douglas stars as John Laurens in a story based on actual correspondence between John and his father, Henry, who was president of the First Continental Congress. As a patriotic young American student studying law in London in the1770's, John agonizes over events in America and finally decides to return to join the struggle for freedom. An LCA release. 24 minutes, color. (You can Purchase the Entire Video Here)

 

 

 

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COSMETIC CHANGES OFTEN LEAD TO COSMETIC RESULTS !

  

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Stephen Fry on the British monarchy and aristocracy and how they're analogous to his crooked nose:

(NOTE:An excerpt from his wonderful autobiography Moab Is My Washpot)



 

 

 

Miss Teen USA 2007 - South Carolina answers a question:





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MODERNITY A SIGN OF PROGRESS ? 

  

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Charlie Chaplin’s Factory Scene Modern Times:



 

 

 

Jacques Tati's Play Time (the glass):

Jacques Tati's Play Time (1967) delivers one of the most humorous critics on modern architecture and its alienating influence of its inhabitants. This short but very accurately planned scene shows a tricky visual joke.



Jaques Tati - Mon Oncle (Kitchen Scene) :

The struggle of a simple man with a "highly modern" kitchen and a bouncing jug.


Traffic (Jacques Tati, 1971) Car Incident:



 

 


Related Blogs:

 

REVOLUTION DEMYSTIFIED: Truth and Lies Surrounding the French Revolution

 

RESTORATION: Britain's 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688 and the 'Bill of Rights' 



 

Machiavelli's "The Prince" and the "Art" of Governing 



 

Stephen Fry On Why Monarchy Is Imperfect Yet Should Be Preserved 



 

LAST WORD: David Starkey debates with Maryam Namazie on the monarchy 



 

How Truly Democratic And Stable IsThe British Monarchy?

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