Conservatism Flashcards
Pragmatism
Change is inevitable you must ensure it happens in a appropriate manner built upon past experience.`
Doctrine of Maintenance
Instead of creating something completely new, you have to repair and maintain constantly and develop.
Origins
Arose in response of the enlightenment which was the belief in reason and relentless progress towards an ideal society
Human nature
Human beings are limited in capacity and flawed. Thus the need for security and law and order.
Hobbes view on human nature
Cynical- ruthlessly selfish, competitive, and a desire for security. Nasty Brutish and short.``
Burke view on human nature
Skeptical of HN- experience guides behavior. Disagree with Hobbes failable but not terrible- Capable of kindness Not ruthlessly individualistic
Localism
Society is a collection of localised communities- Little platoons.
Tradition
When change is necessary history and tradition should guide the change
Hierarchy
Naturally society is unequal where the more wiser and stronger individuals establish a hierarchy of power and privilege.
Paternalism
The ruling class much look after the rest like a farther figure.
Property
Basis of society rarely acquired mostly inherited provides stability and connect generations ownership creates a stake in society.
Empiricism
Prefer evidence over theory focus on what is rather than what it should be. Contrasts progressive view of liberalism that humanity can move to a superior future.
Organicism
Society cannot be created it emerges over time organically counters lib belief that we create the ideal society society is complex.
Oakeshott HN
- HN best when freed from grand designs
- Accepts fallibility and optimistic of HN
Ayn Rand HN
- Objectivist - we are guided by rational self interest for self fulfilment
Robert Nozick HN
- Egotistical- driven by quest for self ownership/ individual freedom to reach full potential.
Disagreements on HN
- HBO vs RN
- H- ruthlessly selfish extremely pessimistic
- B- Fallible not terrible
- RN - More positive and rational
- All agree strong state is required to constrain
Society disagreements
All vs R/ H vs B
- R believes in atomism society doesn’t exist only a collection of individuals seeking self fulfilment vs rest society brings stability, security, belonging and guidance
- All agree society unites and guides individuals. Neo liberals society doesnt exist
State disagreements
HRN vs O
- Oakeshott content with a larger role of the state
- Hobbes says nature of the state does not matter Rand- indv freedom
- All agree state is needed to provide order
Economy disagreements
BRN vs Oakeshott
- State should adopt Keynesian economic policy to protect the well off
- All agree in free market economy- Oakeshott does want some management, but keep as free as possible
