conservatism

• what does conservatism fundamentally aim to achieve?

  to conserve society as it is
• what are the two core values of conservatism?

  pragmatism + tradition
• what is pragmatism?

  it rejects ideology and theory in favour of decisions made on the basis of practical experience and 'what works'.
• what does tradition refer to?

  the institutions, customs and beliefs of a society that has developed over time
• what are arguments in favour of pragmatism?

  human nature: humans lack the intellectual capability to fully understand the complex realities of the world

  society: abstract ideas and principles are dangerous because they can lead to radical change which can result in worse conditions

  state: pragmatic approach will introduce necessary reform without endangering social cohesion or stability

  economy: 'middle way' economics will promote growth through the private sector generating funding for state welfare
• what are the arguments in favour of tradition?

  human nature: tradition provides social framework to make sense of society

  society: long-established institutions give sense of identity which encourages social cohesion

  state: tradition represent 'accumulated wisdom' of the past

  economy: capitalism had endured so should be maintained
• what is the different approaches of pragmatism for traditional conservatives and one nation conservatives?

  traditional - conservatives such as Burke argue that cautious pragmatism enables a society to adapt to changing circumstances through moderate changes and reforms.

  one nation - 'middle way' economic policy which combines market competition with government regulation - wealth in private sector leads to funding of welfare
• what are the three aspects of human imperfection?

  psychological

  moral

  intellectual
• what is psychological human imperfection?

  people need social order rather than liberty as an ordered society provides security + predictability
• what is moral human imperfection?

  humans are naturally selfish
• what is intellectual human imperfection?

  humans lack the intellect to understand the complex world
• what are the features of an organic society?

  authority: provides humans with direction and security

  living organism: society functions like a living organism

  traditional institutions: play a key role in preserving the 'health' of society and the state

  hierarchy: based of fixed ranks and inequalities partially because humans vary in their intellect and skills

  paternalism: the most advantaged have the greatest social responsibilities - justifies economic inequality
• what is paternalism?

  the idea that the government should be conducted by those best equipped to lead and make decisions through birth, inheritance, and upbringing.
• what is libertarianism?

  a strand of conservatism which advocates for individual liberty, maximum economic freedom, and minimal government intervention

  also known as neo-liberalism
• what are arguments in favour of paternalism?

  human nature: human ability not evenly distributed so the successful can have their rewards but also have social responsibility to look after others.

  economy: government regulation of economy necessary to improve conditions of the poorest

  society: privileged look after the less fortunate, in doing so retain their social position.

  state: modern state most appropriate way to deliver social welfare and economic regulation in interests of all.
• what are the arguments in favour of libertarianism?

  economy: free market only way to supply goods on basis of demand + determine natural level of unemployment

  state: 'supply side' economic policies should be pursued to boost production

  human nature: social welfare provision rejected on moral grounds - undermines personal responsibility, freedom, and initiative
• what are the features of traditional conservatism?

  living organism: society living body

  hierarchy: people are NOT equal

  gradual reform: has to be gradual tp preserve balance of organic society

  pragmatism: need to base approach on previous human experience

  traditional institutions: tried institutions represent accumulated experience of the past
• what is the traditional conservative defense of aristocratic rule?

  rule by the autocracy was natural, the longstanding practice of aristocratic rule was based on paternalism
• who are the 5 key thinkers for conservatism?

  Thomas Hobbes, Edmund Burke, Michael Oakeshott, Ayn Rand, Robert Nozick
• what strand is Hobbes associated with?

  traditional conservatism
• what did Hobbes develop in his book 'leviathan' ?


  an ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life

  and

  humans are needy, vulnerable, and easily led astray in their attempts to understand the world around them
• what are the uses of Hobbes's ideas in conservatism?


  the ordered society:

  • in a 'state of nature' humans are free from authority - a restless desire for power would lead to war
  • rational people would sacrifice their freedom for security
  • government is therefore established by the joint consent of the people

  human nature:

  • people demonstrate their vulnerability by competing violently, fighting out of fear, and seeking reputation.
  • human capacity to reason is fragile - peoples self interest distorts their view on the world
• what were Edmund Burke's key ideas?

  change to conserve has to be taken with caution

  and

  respect tradition and empiricism because they represent the practices passed down from generations to the next
• how can Burke's key ideas be used?

  cautious change:

  • state represents living organism
  • reform should be limited and cautious
  • revolutionary change is dangerous

  tradition and empiricism:

  • represents the accumulated knowledge of the past
  • continuing respect for tradition promotes social continuity and stability
  • encourages social cohesion and security
• what were Oakeshott's key ideas?

  human imperfection - society is unpredictable and humans are imperfect

  pragmatism - conservatism is about being pragmatic
• how can Oakeshott's ideas be used?

  society:

  a rationalist political leader is inclined to make decisions based on the authority of his reason

  the state:

  political thinking and action should be guided by pragmatism and political experience
• what are Rand's key ideas ?

  objectivism - rational self-interest is a virtue and the pursuit of it is morally right

  freedom - support for completely unregulated laissez-faire economy
• what are Nozick's key ideas?

  libertarianism - individuals have the rights to their lives, liberty, and rewards of their labour

  self-ownership - individuals own their own bodies, talents, abilities, and labour
• how can Nozick's ideas be used when discussing the state?

  tax levied for state welfare are immoral because they treat individuals as means/resource - only minimal state can be justified

  this is threatened by enforced taxation to fund welfare
• what is Hobbes's view on human nature?

  individuals are selfish - driven by a restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security
• what is Hobbes's view on the state?

  the state should arise 'contractually' from individuals who seek order and security. It must be autocratic.
• what is Hobbes's views on society?

  there can be no society without the creation of a state which brings order and authority.
• what is Hobbes's views on the economy?

  state involvement in the economy is necessary to guarantee order and security
• what is Burke's views on human nature?

  sceptical. Belief that humanity is imperfect.
• what is Burke's views on the state?

  the state arises organically and should be aristocratic.
• what is Burke's views on society?

  society is organic comprising of little platoons.
• what is Burke's views on the economy?

  trade should involve organic free markets and laissez-faire capitalism
• what is Oakeshott's view on human nature?

  humanity is best when focused on the routines of everyday life. Modest.
• what is Oakeshott's views on the state?

  the state should be guided by tradition.
• what is Oakeshott's views on society?

  localised communities essential - guided by short-term requirements instead of abstract ideas