Edmund Burke

1729–1797

Nationality: English

Historical Period: The 18th Century

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.

See also our collection of extracts, essays, and other resources about Burke.

See the Liberty Matters online discussion on Smith, Hume, and Burke as Policy Liberals and Polity Conservatives

Read the Liberty Classics “A Fairy Land of Philosophy” from Law & Liberty

For additional information about Edmund Burke see the following:

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

Quotes from Edmund Burke:

• Edmund Burke on all forms of government intervention
• Edmund Burke on liberty as “social” not “individual” liberty
• Edmund Burke on how the Majority Oppresses the Minority
• Edmund Burke on the Levelling Spirit
• 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?)

Titles from Edmund Burke:

• 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