conservatism

• What is conservatism primarily focused on?

  Maintaining and conserving society as it is
• What are the core ideas and principles of conservatism?

  • Pragmatism: Flexible and practical responses to circumstances
  • Tradition: Institutions or practices that provide stability and guidance
  • Human imperfection: View of humans as morally, psychologically, and intellectually imperfect
  • Organic society/state: Society as an organic whole with implicit hierarchy
  • Paternalism: Authority of those in positions of power over society
  • Libertarianism: Atomistic approach to individual achievement influenced by liberal thinking
• How do conservatives define pragmatism?

  As having a flexible and practical response to circumstances
• What do traditions represent in conservatism?

  Institutions or practices that have stood the test of time
• What is the conservative view of human nature?

  Humans are seen as morally, psychologically, and intellectually imperfect
• What does the concept of organic society/state imply in conservatism?

  Each individual contributes to an organic whole, with implicit hierarchy
• What role does hierarchy play in the organic society according to conservatives?

  Hierarchy is implicit, with each element knowing its place
• What is paternalism in the context of conservatism?

  The guidance and authority of those in positions of authority over society
• How does libertarianism relate to modern conservative thinking?

  It takes a more atomistic approach to individual achievement
• What influences libertarianism in conservative thought?

  Liberal thinking
• What are the implications of human imperfection in conservative thought?

  • Mistrust in human nature
  • Justification for authority and hierarchy
  • Emphasis on tradition and stability