Intro

• Burke believed that change should, occur gradually (no living organism can survive through an inertia), not through violent revolution and ruthless imposition of abstract ideals. This political ideology respects the case for change while warning of its dangers. It contrasts radical principles of the enlightenment that sought to rapidly impose an ideal society based on reason and progress. Believed that change was important but should be based on prior knowledge, not abstract ideals plucked from the blue.
• The French Revolution influenced Burke = an example of how the pursuit of enlightened ideals like reason, progress, and imposing rational order could lead to horrific violence (the terror). The violence made it possible to criticise the excess of the enlightenment principles without appearing reactionary - too much change is not beneficial. Humans are flawed and not everything can be accounted for - the violence was because of flawed people - need for slow, gradual change (change to conserve), using prior knowledge. Built-in sense of caution.
• Origins of conservatism?

  Rose as a reaction to the growing pace of political, social and economic changes symbolised by the French Revolution 1789. Seeking to uphold the regime/in defence of an increasingly embattled landed nobility and the institution of the monarchy. The bias to the elite is of a theoretical make-up from its commitment to the values of tradition, hierarchy and property.
• Human nature?

  Humans are flawed, and pursuing quick change may prove damaging.

  Paternalism - wealth and privilege bring social obligations to care for the less-well-off. Being born poor is not their fault, therefore are deserving of support and should reflect the compassion of the rich.
• Society?

  Hierarchy - society is naturally stratified and thus, all attempts to promote social equality will fail. Society is like a living organism, shaped by natural forces, rather than by human intervention and that is a collection of different part (classes that have a specific role) and divisions that have been ordained by nature.
• State/economy?

  The established economic order should be upheld, leaving limited scope for legitimate wealth distribution. Property ownership has social and psychological advantages that go beyond the liberal emphasis on property as an economic incentive/a reflection of individual effort. It provides a sense of security and breeds the traditional values of law, authority and social order. Neoliberalism.
• The Conservative party is not totally conservative. Parties manipulate their title and wording to appeal to the electorate and does not necessarily embody the ideology accurately.