CHAPTER 2: CONSERVATISM

Question 1

what is pragmatism

Answer 1

it rejects theory and ideology in favour of practical experience, decisions should be made on the basis of what works
usually associated with Michael Oakeshott and Edmund burke

Question 2

what is a traditional conservative

Answer 2

where pragmatism is an essential element in facilitating natural or inevitable change within society.
Burkes conservatism maintained that cautious pragmatism would bring about necessary change peacefully

Question 3

what is a one nation conservative

Answer 3

• hold similar attitudes too social reform, however have adopted a more modern approach to the economy, combining government regulation with market regulation.
• argue the economic policy promotes growth and harmony

Question 4

why is tradition such a core value of the conservatives

Answer 4

• originally reason for tradition came from religious roots
• tradition should be preserved as they have showed their value to earlier societies, ‘fit for purpose’
• therefore tradition establishes continuity and social stability

Question 5

why do conservatives think human nature is imperfect?

Answer 5

• they argue its flawed and incapable of reaching a state of perfection snd that its immutable, so it has to be kepy=t In check

Question 6

how do conservatives combat human imperfection

Answer 6

• tough stance ion law and order to deter criminals
• foreign policy has to be based on national security
• humans are competetive so a good political system will recognise that self interest is a more powerful motivator than altruism

Question 7

why do conservatives desire an organic society

Answer 7

• they regard humans as dependent and security seeking(psychological)
• humans can’t exist separately from society as a whole, (family, local community) which provide as a sense of security and purpose
• humans are morally selfish and greedy
• Humans don’t possess mental facilities to make sense of a complex modern world
• in turn, humans have to accept duties and responsibilities that go with being in a community/society, representing true freedom

Question 8

what is atomism

Answer 8

society is made up of self interested, self sufficient individuals, this can be a catalyst for society breaking down

Question 9

what is the conservative belief on hierarchy and authority

Answer 9

• argue that society is naturally hierarchal, based on fixed ranks and inequalities such as social class, groups etc

Question 10

what is paternalism

Answer 10

idea that government by people who are best equipped to lead by virtue of their birth, inheritance and upbringing.
eg: Burke believed that natural aristocracy presided over society, like a father does over his family

Question 11

what is obless noblige

Answer 11

• comes from idea that revolutions in France because of a lack of care for the community from the government, conservatives adopted they had a duty to care for lower social ranks

Question 12

what are the 2 forms of paternalism

Answer 12

soft - those who are the recipients of their consent
hard - when paternalism is imposed, regardless of consent or opposition in a more authoritarian matter

Question 13

what is Neo liberalism

Answer 13

rejects idea of paternalism, based partly on free-market economics.
aims to reduce the size of the state so economy can grow.
Neo-liberalism faith in humans rejects notions of paternalism

Question 14

what is libertarianism

Answer 14

• emphasises rights of individuals to liberty, advocating minimal state intervention.
• primary role of state is to protect individual rights

Question 15

where has libertarian thinking been evident in conservative thinking

Answer 15

since the 18th century, influenced by Adam smiths arguments for economic libertarianism. eg burke advocated for free trade and a market economy.

Question 16

when has libertarian conservatism been used I recent times

Answer 16

• associated with policies of thatcher and president Reagan. it opposes Keynesian style demand management and welfare programs.