1729 - 1797

Nationality:
English

Historical Period:
The 18th Century

Groups

• Goodrich Seminar Room

Edmund Burke (1729-1797) was an English political philosopher who is often seen as laying the foundations of modern conservatism. Although he supported the American colonies in the revolution against the British crown, he strongly opposed the French Revolution, the rise of unbridled democracy, and the growing corruption of government.

For additional information about Edmund Burke see the following:

• Timeline on the Life and Work of Edmund Burke
• Debate on the French Revolution

Titles:

• Author: Further Reflections on the French Revolution
• Author: Select Works of Edmund Burke, 4 vols.
• Author: Select Works of Edmund Burke, vol. 1
• Author: Select Works of Edmund Burke, vol. 2
• Author: Select Works of Edmund Burke, vol. 3
• Author: Select Works of Edmund Burke, vol. 4
• Author: A Vindication of Natural Society

Quotations:

• Edmund Burke asks a key question of political theory: quis custodiet ipsos custodes? (how is one to be defended against the very guardians who have been appointed to guard us?) (1756)
• Edmund Burke on liberty as "social" not "individual" liberty (1789)

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