Emergence of Conservatism

• Thomas Hobbes preceded the development of conservatism as an ideology however his most important work ‘Leviathan’ published in 1651, set out some key ideas that would be consistent with and inform key principles of conservatism, particularly in relation to human nature and the role of the state
• Hobbes argued that in the absence of a strong and stable state, human life would be ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short‘ supporting the view of human nature as inherently self interested and prone to conflict
• Hobbes’ belief in human imperfection was later agreed upon by conservatives, who argued that conflict and disorder were inevitable without the state, leading to support for a strong state that could provide order and security
• Hobbes’ support for a sovereign authority, ‘which her termed the ‘Leviathan’ was grounded in the notion that a robust and authoritative state is essential to curb the natural tendencies of humans towards disorder
• According to Hobbes, this central authority should possess the power to enforce law and maintain peace, thus preventing the chaos of a state of nature
• Hobbes’ emphasis on order, security and the role of the state in achieving these ends influenced the conservative trust in established institutions and their skepticism of radical change that could destabilise the social order
• What was conservatism a reaction to?

  Liberal ideas, enlightenment and the radical society changes brought in by the French Revolution
• The French Revolution (1789) upended the traditional aristocratic and religious order in favour of the liberal, Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity.
• Upheaval caused by the French Revolution saw a dramatic reconstruction of society and government including the overthrow of the monarchy and the violent Reign of Terror, alarmed many who feared the instability and chaos that such drastic changes entailed
• In response to the idea of revolution, conservatism developed as a philosophy emphasising the preservation of tradition, heirarchy and a cautious, programmatic approach to change
• Who is considered the father of conservatism?

  Edmund Burke
• What did Burke argue for?

  The importance of maintaining established traditions, social hierarchy and a gradual evolution of institutions
• Burke believed that the complexities of society were best managed through time tested customs and traditions, not through radial upheavals based on abstract principles. This emphasis on tradition, order and organic development became key tenets of conservative thought
• Conservatism was not just a counter to liberalism‘s emphasis on individual rights and reason, but also as a practical response to the perceived excesses and unpredictability of revolutionary change