1 Conservatism: core ideas and principles Flashcards
KEY TERMINOLOGY - pragmatism
flexible approach to society with decisions made on the basis of what works – to cover links between pragmatism and traditional conservative and one-nation
philosophy
KEY TERMINOLOGY - tradition
accumulated wisdom of past societies and a connection between the generations – to cover how this creates stability, links with organic change, and enhances
humans’ security
KEY TERMINOLOGY - human imperfection
humans are flawed which makes them incapable of making good decisions for themselves – to cover the three aspects of psychological, moral and intellectual imperfection
KEY TERMINOLOGY - organic society/state
society/state is more important than
any individual parts – to cover how this links to the
underpinning of the beliefs of authority and hierarchy, and a cohesive society
KEY TERMINOLOGY - paternalism
benign power exerted from above by the state,
that governs in the interests of the people – to cover the
different interpretations by traditional (an authoritarian
approach, the state knows what is best so the people must
do what they are told) and one-nation conservatives (there is
an obligation on the wealthy to look after those who are
unable to look after themselves)and why it is rejected by
New Right Conservatives
KEY TERMINOLOGY - libertarianism (specifically neo-liberalism)
upholds liberty, seeking to maximise autonomy and free choice, mainly in the economy – to cover the moral and economic values associated with this idea
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Hierarchy
The conservative belief that society is naturally organised in fixed and unequal tiers, where one’s social position or status is not based on individual ability.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Authority
the idea that people in higher positions in society
are best able to make decisions on behalf of other people or society as a whole; authority comes naturally from above and rests on an accepted obligation from below to obey.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Change to conserve
The idea that society should adapt to changing
circumstances by introducing moderate reforms, rather than reject change outright and risk rebellion or revolution.
KEY TERMINOLOGY - Atomism
The idea that society is made up of self-interested and self-suffcient individuals (also known as egoistical individualism). Can also describe increasing social breakdown and isolation.
