CONS key terms

• pragmatism - a flexible approach to society with decisions made on the basis of what works, behaviour shaped by practical considerations and rejects political action based on ideological objectives
• tradition - values, practices or institutions that have endured through time and passed down from one generation to the next
• human imperfection - humans are flawed, psychological, moral, and intellectual imperfections which makes them incapable of making good decisions for themselves
• organic society - society operates like an organism or living entity, linked to the underpinning beliefs of authority and hierachy, which are vital for a stable and cohesive society
• hierachy - pyramidically ranked system of command and obedience in which social position is unconnected with individual ability
• paternalism - an obligation on the wealthy to look after those who are unable to look after themselves