arrived at by philosophical speculation based on some abstract
principle.
His opposition to concepts like natural rights does not prevent
him from having some strong views on human rights which
governments must respect. Also, the obvious requirements of
our human nature must be observed. To Burke, the concept of
freedom is not a natural right to do whatever one pleases. It is a
human right which may be exercised so long as it does not
interfere with another’s human right to exercise that same
freedom— in a concrete way. A mob in a street exercising “free
speech” can often interfere, in a very real sense, with a person’s
right to cross the street. Similarly, human nature is such that the
abstract concept of equality is not nearly so applicable as are the
concrete realities of differences of intelligence, competence,
height, weight, strength, and other qualities that make people, in
a real sense, unequal. Thus, while Burke may approve of equality
of individuals under the law, he would seriously disapprove of
the concept that all are equally competent to make the law.
Burke, then, believed in a “natural aristocracy.” He did not
believe in the rule of an aristocracy as was commonly accepted.
In fact, Burke took the position that if aristocracy simply meant
the rich and powerful who dominated the poor, he would fight to
the death for the poor if their human rights were being violated.
Yet, he also maintained that if the poor banded together to avoid
their responsibilities, and because of their numbers sought to be
exempt from the moral and political restraints of civil society, he
“...would join my hand to make them feel the force which a few,
united in a good cause, have over a multitude of the profligate
and ferocious.” Those who naturally are best suited to govern,
have the ability, the education, and the disposition— should
govern.
A representative government was Burke’s preference. In
large measure he accepted the Aristotelian concept of governing
for the common good rather than for narrow interest. When
running for election from Bristol, he told his constituents that
although they elect a representative, “he is not a member of
Bristol, he is a member of Parliament.” The implication here is
clear. He is not going to represent the narrow interests of the part,
rather the greater interest of the whole. Also, Burke set forth a
concept of what a representative is, or rather, should be. He told
176 Political Theory: The Relationship of Man and the State