Main ideas and principles

• pragmatism= This means it rejects ideology and theory in favour of practical experience. This suggest that they take a flexible, considering what is acceptable to the people and to ensure social stability and cohesion. two philosophers - Edmund burke and Michael Oakeshott were largely in favour of this.
• Oakshott on pragmatism - 'To be a conservative is to prefer the tried to the untried.'
• traditionalism = belief that there is an inherent wisdom in traditions and customs passed down through generations. It suggests that we should respect and preserve these traditions rather than trying to replace or reform them. Traditions can include religious beliefs, cultural norms, political systems, etc.
• why do conservatives argue for pragmatism?


  • human nature - we can't understand the complex world and therefore should rely on tried methods.
  • State - gradual and moderate change through policy is necessary to ensure social stability and cohesion
  • Society - ideas such as rights or equality are dangerous to society as they can lead to radical change and worse conditions.
• who was the main advocate for change to conserve

  Edmund Burke - he believed that changed was essential but that a pragmatic approach to it was necessary.
• Edmund Burke on change to conserve - '...without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.'
• Tradition= refers to the institutions, customs and belief in society that have developed over time. This means that they are passed down from one generation to the next.
• Edmund burke and G.K Chesterton were big advocates of tradition, Stating that it's accumulated wisdom of the past. This is because the traditions that previously worked in society have survived, therefore should be preserved so future generations can benefit from it.
• Burke on tradition - 'Society is not only a partnership of the present but between those who are living and those who are dead and those who are to be born'
• G.K Chesterton on tradition - 'Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the past.'
• Why do conservatives argue for tradition?


  Human nature - humans are weak and security seeking therefore tradition gives them that.