Burke’s traditional conservatism reflected a cautious approach to societal change and reverence of tradition
What did Pragmatism emphasise?
The importance of practical experience over abstract theorising.
Burke believed that decisions should be based on the accumulated wisdom of history and tradition, rather than radial ideals or revolutionary fervor
Burke also set out he importance of ‘changing to conserve’ emphasising the necessity of careful and gradual reform to preserve the essence of traditional and institutions while adapting to contemporary needs
The reverence for tradition underscored the belief in the enduring value of established customs, institutions and norms that had been tested by time. This tradition should be maintained and learned from
Property was seen as a cornerstone of stable society. Ownership encourages responsibility and discourages support for radical ideologies that threaten to upturn the social order
Burke viewed the notion of hierarchy and authority a natural and necessary for a stable society. For Burke, societal order was not artificially constructed but rather evolved organically, akin to a living organism
The view of an organic society suggested that changes should be gradual and respectful of the intricate relationships and dependencies within a community
What is Burke’s conservatism based on?
Human imperfection
What did Burke argue about human imperfection?
Humans are fallible and limited in their capacity to understand and engineer complex social systems. Therefore, humility and restraint should guide political actions, advocating for incremental change rather than radical overhaul
Principles of pragmatism, tradition, hierarchy and authority, organic society and human imperfection collectively formed the foundation of Burke’s conservative thought, offering a cautious and evolutionary approach to social and political life
