burke Flashcards
strand
traditional con
importance
VERY EVERY ESSAY MENTION
whig English MP Burke is often referred to as the ‘ father of conservatism ‘ he founded conservative thought in response to the French revolution which upended
the traditional aristocratic and religious order in favour of the liberal enlightenment ideals of liberty equality and fraternity
he strongly opposed this upheaval and argued in ‘ reflections on the revolution in France ‘ for the importance of
maintaining established traditions , social hierarchy and a gradual evolution of institutions
burkes ‘ reflections of the revolution in France ‘ outlined the key principles of conservatism inclusive the importance of
tradition pragmatists a cautious approach to change human imperfection an organic society and hierarchy
burke strongly supported listening to and learning from tradition this emphasis was not about presaging old ways for their own sake instead it was driven by
empiricism , with tradition representing the accumulated wisdom of past societies , it offered invaluable guidance for how decisions should be made in society and by the state
burke also saw tradition as a critical thread linking past present and future generations creating a sense of
continuity
his great opposition to the French revolution was in part due to tis
diregagard for teachings of tradition
in ‘ reflections on the revolution in France ‘ Burke stated
” 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 “
burke also viewed respect for tradition as crucial for maintaining stability and security within society die to this emophasis on tradition he favoured
organic , gradual developments instead of abrupt radical shiftst
this concept of organic cognate respects the slow evolution of societal norms and institutions ensuring that any change is
rooted in the past and contributes to a sense of continuity
burke didnt support not changing at al however stating
” a state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservatism “
he set out the importance of changing to conserve emphasising that through change should be gradual and careful it was sometimes necessary to maintain the future of the state and society not
adapting to the timed and refusing to change at all would simply increase the chances of revolution
burkes view of human nature was strongly influenced by christianity ,
christian teachings about original sin and the frailty of man led to him arguing that human nature was imperfect
as a result burke emphasised the need for moral guidance and structure in society , provided by long established institutions such as the church and the monarchy which he viewed as
crucial in instilling values and moral education
