Conservatism - Key thinkers: Ideas

• When did Thomas Hobbes live?

  1588-1679
• How should Thomas Hobbes be described in terms of ideological alignment?

  He came before conservatism but can be described as traditional conservatism if necessary.
• Why is Thomas Hobbes important for discussions on human nature and the state?

  His ideas are crucial when talking about human nature and the role of the state in providing order.
• What is Hobbes' most important work and when was it published?

  "Leviathan," published in 1651.
• What key ideas did Hobbes set out in "Leviathan"?


  Key ideas about human nature and the role of the state that inform conservative principles, alongside the most popular example of social contract theory.
• What did Hobbes believe would happen in the state of nature?

  Human life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" due to constant conflict and competition.
• According to Hobbes, why would conflict be inevitable in the state of nature?

  Humans are ruthless, calculating, and driven by basic instincts for survival and self-interest.
• What did Hobbes argue was necessary to prevent chaos and conflict?


  A strong state is necessary to maintain order and security.
• What must individuals do to ensure peace and order, according to Hobbes?


  They must give up some of their individual rights to a sovereign authority (the state).
• What is the 'Leviathan' according to Hobbes?

  A state that possesses the power to enforce laws and maintain peace.
• What did Hobbes say about the freedom of individuals and the law?

  "How could a state be governed, or protected in its foreign relations if every individual remained free to obey or not to obey the law according to his private opinion."
• How did Hobbes influence later conservative thinkers?

  Through his emphasis on order, security, and strong governance to ensure societal stability.
• What did Hobbes believe about the authority of the state once established?

  "The sovereign power cannot justly be questioned or opposed once it has been established."
• When did Edmund Burke live?


  1729-1797
• What strand does Burke belong to?

  Traditional Conservatism
• How is Edmund Burke often referred to in political thought?

  As the 'father of conservatism.
• Why is Edmund Burke important in the context of traditional conservatism?

  He founded conservative thought in response to the French Revolution, emphasising the importance of maintaining established traditions and social hierarchy.
• What is the title of Burke's key work and what did it argue for?


  "Reflections on the Revolution in France," arguing for the importance of tradition, social hierarchy, and gradual evolution of institutions.
• What key principles of conservatism did Burke outline?

  Importance of tradition, pragmatism, cautious approach to change, human imperfection, organic society, and hierarchy.
• Why did Burke support listening to and learning from tradition?

  Tradition represents the accumulated wisdom of past societies and offers invaluable guidance for decision-making.
• How did Burke view tradition in relation to generations?

  As a critical thread linking past, present, and future generations, creating a sense of belonging and continuity.
• What was Burke's view on the French Revolution?

  He opposed it due to its disregard for the teachings of tradition.
• What did Burke say about society in "Reflections on the Revolution in France"?

  "Society is indeed a contract... it becomes a partnership not only between those who are living, but between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born."
• How did Burke view the approach to change?

  He favored organic, gradual developments instead of abrupt, radical shifts to maintain stability and security.
• What did Burke say about the necessity of change?

  "A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation."
• What did Burke mean by 'changing to conserve'?

  Change should be gradual and careful, but sometimes necessary to maintain the future of the state and society.
• How did Burke's Christian beliefs influence his view of human nature?


  He believed human nature was imperfect and emphasized the need for moral guidance and structure in society.
• What institutions did Burke see as crucial for instilling values and moral education?

  Long-established institutions such as the Church and monarchy.
• What did Burke write about civil liberty in "Reflections on the Revolution in France"?


  "Men are qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition to put moral chains upon their own appetites."
• What is meant by Burke's concept of "little platoons"?


  Smaller communities and associations that provide individuals with security, status, and a sense of belonging.
• How did Burke view society?


  As a collection of localized communities, where primary loyalties and values of mutual support and responsibility are formed.
• When did Benjamin Disraeli live?

  1804-1881
• What strand of conservatism is Benjamin Disraeli associated with?

  One-Nation Conservatism
• What was One-Nation Conservatism a response to?

  The realities of an industrialised, changing society and the inequalities created by industrial capitalism.
• Why did Disraeli argue it was necessary to address the grievances of the working and lower classes?


  To prevent support for socialism and the threat of revolution, societal order and hierarchy needed to be maintained.
• What is paternalism in the context of Disraeli's views?

  The belief that the state and upper classes have a responsibility to look after the welfare of the less privileged.
• What is 'noblesse oblige'?


  The principle that those in privileged positions have a duty to act with generosity and responsibility towards those less fortunate.
• What did Disraeli's government do to improve public health and sanitary conditions?

  Enacted social reforms such as the Public Health Act of 1875 and the Artisans' and Labourers' Dwellings Improvement Act of 1875.
• Why did Disraeli support paternalism besides moral duty?

  As a pragmatic strategy to uphold and maintain order, hierarchy, and the aristocracy's position in society.
• What did Disraeli mean by "The palace is not safe when the cottage is not happy"?


  The well-being of the lower classes is crucial to preventing societal upheaval and maintaining the established hierarchy.