Shortly after the publication of the essays Oakeshott appears to have recognized that a more comprehensive account of his views was required. His response to D. D. Raphael's critical review¹ centred on the need to distinguish between explanation and recommendation, a theme explored in Experience and its Modes and perhaps not one that would be immediately associated with Rationalism in Politics. On Human Conduct² is Oakeshott's attempt to make a clear statement of this distinction and to explain its significance for political thought. The work seeks to characterize the phenomenon of the modern European state and to explore its desirability as well as pursuing the more philosophical task of explaining the basis upon which human institutions may be examined and recommended. It follows the general theme of Oakeshott's output in having a dual purpose; specifying a narrow remit for government and circumscribing the authority of the intellectual.