Liberty
The French Revolution was founded on an ideology of liberty, equality and fraternity. In Reflections on the Revolution in France, Burke argues that the rebel’s concept of liberty was abstract, vague and meaningless. He argues that liberty cannot be achieved immediately and must be achieved over a long period of time. As such, he concludes that the French Revolution was not founded on a concrete cause. Due to the vagueness of this concept of liberty, Burke argues that only chaos and disagreement will arise.
Experience vs. Theory
Burke is a huge advocate of experience in this text. He argues that the leaders of the French Revolution are not fit to govern France, as they have no experience in doing so. Instead, Burke argues that successful governance is a skill that is achieved over a long period of time. According to Burke, the leaders of the French Revolution rely too much on abstract concepts and theories.
Burke explains that someone with little experience uses theories and their personal experience to govern. However, he argues that it is better to use prejudice to govern. Here, Burke does not use the term prejudice as we understand it today. Burke understand prejudice as meaning the wisdom and knowledge that has been accumulated over a long period of time.
This passage summarizes Burkes opinions regarding theory and experience: "What is the use of discussing a man's abstract right to food or to medicine? The question is upon the method of procuring and administering them. In this deliberation I shall always advise to call in the aid of the farmer and the physician, rather than the professor."
Violence
Violence is a key theme in the text and is used to warn about disastrous consequences the French Revolution could have. Burke describes the rebels as being ruffians and barbarians, suggesting they will naturally resort to violence. He even describes a scene where rebels attack the King and Queen of France, using gory, dramatic imagery. Throughout the text, Burke subtly suggests the threat of violence in order to support his criticisms about the revolution. Burke strongly believes that due to the unorganized nature of the revolution, it can only resort to disagreement, chaos and violence.
Reform vs. Revolution
Throughout the text, Burke argues for reform over revolution. By reform, he means gradual change over a long period of time. He states repeatedly that he is not against values such as liberty but argues that these values must be achieved over time, advocating gradual reform that aligns with the constitution.
As such, Burke is thoroughly against the idea of enacting political change through revolution. He argues instead that revolution can only be disruptive and chaotic, dismantling years and years of governmental wisdom gained over centuries of experience. In one passage of the text, Burke says in regard to the revolution that “all is to be changed.” This short, definitive sentence shows how dramatic this change would be, suggesting the scale of this disruption.
