Core Ideologies - Conservatism Flashcards
1.1 - core ideas and principles
what is pragmatism
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
what is a traditional conservative
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
what is a one nation conservative
- 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
why is tradition such a core value of the conservatives
- 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
why do conservatives think human nature is imperfect?
- 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
how do conservatives combat human imperfection
- 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
why do conservatives desire an organic society
- 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
what is atomism
society is made up of self interested, self sufficient individuals, this can be a catalyst for society breaking down
what is the conservative belief on hierarchy and authority
- argue that society is naturally hierarchal, based on fixed ranks and inequalities such as social class, groups etc
what is paternalism
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
what is obless noblige
- 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
what are the 2 forms of paternalism
soft - those who are the recipients of their consent
hard - when paternalism is imposed, regardless of consent or opposition in a more authoritarian matter
what is libertarianism
- emphasises rights of individuals to liberty, advocating minimal state intervention.
- primary role of state is to protect individual rights
where has libertarian thinking been evident in conservative thinking
since the 18th century, influenced by Adam smiths arguments for economic libertarianism. eg burke advocated for free trade and a market economy.
when has libertarian conservatism been used I recent times
- associated with policies of thatcher and president Reagan. it opposes Keynesian style demand management and welfare programs.
What is the new right
Gathered momentum in 1970s, rival to one-national conservatism, founded on 2 principles
- Neo liberalism
- Neo-conservatism: based on commitment to order, public morality and traditional values
What are Neo-liberal features of Thatcherism
- tight control of money through monetarists policies to control inflation, and promote economic investment and growth
- privatisation of state-controlled industries on grounds of freedom competition and efficiency
- promotion of free market (policy of deregulation
- belief that trade union power was endangering UKs economic competitiveness led to anti-union legislation
What are Neo conservative features of Thatcherism
- defence of traditional values including support for heterosexual marriage and nuclear family
- strong law and order policies
- opposition to permissive attitudes (section 28, 1998)
- protect public morality (regulation of UK video market)
What is neoliberalism
- a minimal state
- self reliant individuals capable of making rational decisions in their own interests
- the rejection of collectivism and elimination of gov intervention
What economists promoted Neo-liberalism
Milton Friedman and friedrich hayek.
- argues gov intervention cannot solve economic problems or properly allocate resources within a developed economy.
What does Neo liberalism claim is the 3 main threats
Monopolies,inflation and gov intervention
- also disagreed with Keynesian economics
How does Neo -liberalism regard government intervention
Most potent threat to the free market
- state planning, nationalisation and high taxation are rejected because its believed they distort the market and contribute to economic problems
- to improve efficiency, public services and other gov agencies should be exposed to competitive forces of the market economy
How does Neo-liberalism advocate atomistic individualisation
- belief that people are rational, self interested and self sufficient
- Neo liberals view freedom badly, want to remove external constraints or limitations on a person.
- Neo liberals criticise state welfare for creating a dependency culture
- Neo liberals believe that their approach to individualism releases human potential and creates natural harmony through free relations between people
What is Neo conservatism
- mild type of authoritarianism. Was developed in the USA was as a result of reforms, ideas and permissive attitudes of the liberals in 1960s
What does Neo conservatism mainly focus on
Uphold social order and public morality
- argue for re-imposition and authority at every level of society
- want harsher punishments, both thatcher and reason did this in the 80s
- rejects permissiveness, thatcher advocated for Victorian values
As a whole, what are conservatives ideas on human nature
Pessimistic about human nature, people are imperfect, insecure and limited.
- need a firm gov and tough criminal justice system
- capitalism is only viable system because of human competitiveness and self interest
Ne liberal conservatives however adopt atomistic individualisation
As a whole, what are conservatives view on the state
- one nation conservatives view state as neutral agency, primary role to preserve social order through welfare programmes, economic interventionism, defence of traditional institutions + values
- new right exhibits both liberal and conservative values towards state
- Neo liberals call for rolling back of the state, on grounds that state intervention is bad for economy and promotes a dependency culture
- Neo conservatives agree role needs to be reduced in economy, however call for a strong state, strong leadership, tough on crime, anti-permissive policies
As a whole, what are conservatives view on society
Traditional + one nation, have an organic view of society, argue all parts work together harmoniously to ensure a healthy social body. Change to elements of organic society jeopardises stability
- belief in hierarchy and authority, leaders have top-down control over other social programmes
- privileges of elite are balences by social responsibility/paternalism (nobless oblige)
- Neo liberals, reject organic society, instead see it as independent and rational people operating in a free market, as society is based on individualism that releases human potential
As a whole, what are conservatives view on the economy
- all favour private enterprise
- one nation, endorse limited intervention to maintain high employment, mixed economy of private and public concerns. Do this to prevent social instability
- Neo cons and Neo libs argue role of state has to be reduced, want free market to meet consumer demands, maximise use of resources and generate prosperity
Who are the 5 key conservative individuals
- Thomas Hobbes
- Edmund Burke
- Michael oakeshott
- Ayn rand
- Robert nozick
What were Thomas Hobbes key ideas (1688-1679)
- an ordered society should balence the human need to lead a free life
- humans are needy, vulnerable and easily led astray in attempts to understand the world around em
Hobbes argues for total obedience to apsolute government, alternative was pure chaos
Why did Hobbes belief in his key ideas?
- created a hypothetical situation ‘the state of nature’ where people were equal + free, claiming without an authority figure/power people would fight for power, leading to conflict and war between ‘war of every man against every man’
- hobbes therefore argued gov is established by consent of the ppl, who authorise those in power to preserve order + peace, so people as a whole submit to apsolute power
What conclusion can be made on hobbes beliefs?
- he clearly fells human nature is selfish and out of self interest, and under certain circumstance people would fight to be at the top of the hierarchy (like being king of the jungle)
- therefore, people’s best hope for Order and peace is a strong gov authority
What were Edmund Burke’s key beliefs 1729-97)
- believed that change has to be undertaken with great caution, mindful of the delicate balence inherent in an organic society
- tradition and empiricism should be respected because they represent practises passed down from one generation to the next
Why did Burke believe in his key ideas?
- Burke criticised the French Revolution, seen in his book ‘reflections of the revolution in France’
- in this he expresssed the revolution was an attempt to create a new society and gov based on abstract principles rather then learning from the past.
- since the principles weren’t well established in France (equality + liberty), he claimed it would end in chaos
What conclusion can be made on Burke’s beliefs
- he believed in tradition, as it represents the tested wisdom of the past, he believed it would lead to continuity and stability and establishes an obligation of duty for generations to pass on their accumulated wisdom to the next.
- also advocated respect for tradition and empiricism in the grounds that it provides society and people with a sense of historical identity and being rooted in their society
What were Michael oakeshott’s key ideas (1901-90)
- people’s actions should be guided by pragmatism rather then by ideology
- theories and ideologies oversimplify complex situations
Why did Oakeshott believe in these key ideas
- believed modern society is unpredictable and complex, can’t be understood by abstract principles and theories
- believed rational attempts to make sense of behaviour of society distorts and simplifies the facts (human imperfection)
- used fascist and communist regimes to back his ideas, of misguided rationalism in politics
What conclusion can be made on oakeshott’s ideas
- he himself concluded Britain’s had developed pragmatically over time
- he maintained politics can only be successful if it allows for continuation of existing traditions, practises and prejudices, a pragmatic approach achieved by:
- delivering what’s in best interest of people, maintaining social stability and cohesion and historical continuity, by being flexible and accepting shifting social realities
What were Ayn Rand’s key ideas (1905-82)
- people should pursue their happiness at their highest moral aim
- people should work hard to achieve a life of purpose and productiveness
Why did Ayn Rand believe in her key ideas?
- rise of fascism and communism led to people rethinking role of state in lives of individuals
- therefore advocated for virtues of rational self-interest and that individual freedom supports a pure laissez faire capatalist economy
- objectivism was her key thought, believing it provided basis of human life
What conclusion can be maepde on Ayn Rand’s key beliefs
- rejected state welfare, and that rejection of top state welfare was a non aggressive principle
- believed people should put themselves before others
- advocated a totally free laissez faire economy, so people can use their money as they see fit
What were Robert Nozick’s key ideas (1938-2002)
- individuals in society cannot be treated as a thing or used against their will as a resource
- individuals own their own bodies, talents, abilities and labour
Why did nozick believe in his key ideas?
- was a right wing libertarian who argued for a rights based libertarian system and a minimal state
- thought humans should be treated ‘always as an end and never as a means only’ essentially humans are rational and self aware with free will and so should live by their lives, liberty and rewards from their labour
- believed these rights were side constraints on actions of others, setting limits on how someone should be treated
What conclusion can be made on Nozicks key ideas
- taxes levied to fund state welfare are immoral
- state should be minimal
- believed in self-ownership and can do what to do with themselves and their resources
