Conservatism Flashcards
what is conservatism ?
conservatism is an ideology that promotes traditional values reinforces that IDEA OF CONSRVING/ PREVENTING CHANGE
what are there views on human nature?
conservative views on human nature also known as the philosophy of human nature , they see human nature as negative and imperfect which is why feel as they need to control. generally their views on human anture are pessimistic.
what are some of their views on the state
conservatives also believe that the state develops naturally and organically similarly to society.;
- favour uncodified constitution as it adapts as time progresses which means there is not any need for radical change that disrupts the traditional nature of the conservative values
- great believers in the state coming before society. this means that rules and order can be enforced for society to run smoothly
- conservatives support hierarchy and elitism- they d not believe in equality as they know that there is a natural inequality between society , some people are naturally better than others
- thet state is a force that promotes national cohesion and unity .
- Reject ideas on natural rights
- hobbs argues that without order there cannot be any liberty.
what are some of their views on society
- like the state society naturally evolves and develops organically over time to meet the needs of its members
- in favour of local communities , Christian morality , authority
- conservative believe tat society must develop institutions that protects us from harm, eg the armed forces
what are some of their views on the economy
many conservatives are in favour of a capitalist economic system but reluctant to support it
who is burkes ? what are his views
burke is one of the main conservative thinkers that believes that human nature is imperfect.
what does nobess oblique mean ?
- with great wealth comes great responsibility, this emphasises the idea that those who are of great status have a responsibility to look after the less fortunate- established by Disraeli
what is pragmatism associated with ?
ONE NATION CONSERVATIVES example burke/oakeshott.
what is one nation conservativism and their views
one nation conservativism is the dominant type of conservativism inspired by Benjamin Disraeli is a paternalistic type of conservativism that support the idea that tradition needs to be preserved instead of engineered
what are new right conservatives\? summarise their views
NEW right conservativism
who is benjamin disrailie? what does he believe
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what are some social policy’s that reflect conservative ideas on human nature? particularly LAW AND ORDER
- cameron called for “exemplary punishment” for those who committed offences during the 2011 riots.
who inspired one nation conservativism ?
Benjamin Disraeli
What is meant by pragmatism?
this is the idea that decisions are made on what works- links to traditional conservativism and stems from one nation philosophy
What is meant by tradition?
Tradition is accumleated wisdom from past society’s - links with organic change a concept that conservatives favour and enhances human security
What is meant by human imperfection?
Humans are flawed which makes them incapable of making good decisions for themsleves - intellectually , Psychologically and morally
What is meant by the organic state/ society and how does it link to conservativism ?
This means that society and the state are seen as more important than the individual because it reflects a cohesive society.
- this underpinned the beliefs of authority and hierarchy
What is meant by paternalism?
Paternalism is the approach of the country being ran by elites because they seek to govern in the interests of the people
What does Paternalism link to ?
Paternalism links to one nation conservative beliefs - specifically benjamin disrailli, the idea that the wealthy have an obligation to look after those beneath them
What type of conservatives reject the idea of the paternalism
The new right
What is meant by libertarianism ?
this is an idea that seeks to maximise authority and free choice whilst whilst whilst upholding liberty
What are the overall tensions on the views of conservativism?
- Traditional conservative idea- are committed to hierarchy and paternalistic values(looking after the poor )
- One nation conservatives-
What conservatives reject the idea of paternalism ?
New right would reject the idea of paternalism because its too interventionalist
What are the new right concerned with ?
The new right are concerned with law and order and human morality
What is one nation conservativism ?
This is an update of traditional conservativism in response to capitalism
What is pragmatism ?
- This is the idea that decisions are based off what works , adaptable, practical response to political decision-making
- Burke argues that pragmatism is the appropriate response to the natural change in society and can prevent a revolution
- Supported by Burke and Oakshott
- Rejected y the New right
Summarise the origins of conservativism
conservativism was the reaction against the Enlightenment’s belief in reason and remorseless progress
Reaction against the French Revolution – Terror, Napoleonic dictatorship
Summarise conservative views on the state
- Hobbs- social contract - People realise that a higher power is needed to protect them from the threat of others and so they voluntarily agree to form an authority over them
- Burke- organic anaolgy - the idea that the state develops naturally
- Hierarchy- upport for hierarchy and elitism. A ruling class that may be aristocratic and hereditary, would respond to changing needs and developments to maintain order and social cohesion
- Pragmatism-
What are some new right ideas on the state ?
What are some new right ideas on the state ?
