Conservatism

Question 1

Conservatism - Key concepts (6)

Answer 1

Pragmatism - Decisions based on what works (experience), ensuring social stability. Oakeshott - Prefer the tried to untried
Tradition - accumulated wisdom of past societies through customs.
Human Imperfection - Humans are flawed, making them incapable of making their own decisions. Morally, psychologically and Intellectually
Organic state - Top down authority that has naturally developed over time. Burke Society is contract between living, dead and to be born. Must meet needs of present future, respect past
Paternalism - Power by the state that governs in the interest of the people, loosing rights but for their benefit
Libertarianism - Maximise autonomy and free choice

Question 2

Hobbes

Answer 2

Leviathan 1651
Authoritarian Commonwealth state order - protect against reckless human nature.
Human nature - State needed, Without, life would be “Nasty, Brutish and Short”, Redistributes wealth
Social contract gives the government power from the people, surrendered some rights
At the time the monarch abolished, replaced by the commonwealth.
Some state intervention in economy

Question 3

Burke - Traditional

Answer 3

Reflections on the Revolution in France 1790
Hierarchical authoritarian state - organic aristocracy concentrated power at the top
Means for reform must be possible through extending franchise - “Change to conserve”
Organic Society - Society is a contract between living, dead and to be born. Must meet needs of present future, respect past
Free market Lazziez-Faire, Shift from protectionism to free trade as industrialization
Both agree state has authority over people but sovereignty of them must be recognised
Property ownership key, owners have stake in society

Question 4

Oakeshott (ONC on state)

Answer 4

On being conservative 1956
Pragmatic state - “Prefer the tried to untried” Approves post-war welfare interventionist state, ok if organic (Nationalism, ONC)
Aristocracy agree with burke
Civil Associations - Set by people to keep peace
Keep the boat afloat and steer carefully based on tradition and pragmatism.

Question 5

Rand (neo lib)

Answer 5

Nightwatchman minimal state - individual rights paramount , welfare promotes altruism
Taxation state sanctioned theft - Altas Shrugged Wealthy go to mountains to watch welfare fail
Atomism - Human nature and society
Rejects human imperfection - Are rational, self interested
Depower bodies that limit free market (unions)
Free market advocate(Lazziez-Faire), strong belief in invisible hand. No bailouts
Opposed to Organic society and Social contract - threatens freedom

Question 6

Nozick (neo lib)

Answer 6

Service provider state - to protect liberties, rights paramount
Taxation state sanctioned theft, welfare damages individual ability
Depower bodies that limit free market (unions)
Opposed to Organic society and Social contract - threatens freedom

Question 7

One Nation Conservatism

Answer 7

Governing in the interest of all

Noblesse Oblige - Well off have responsibility for poor (Cameron dropping tax for min wage)

Question 8

New Right Conservatism

Answer 8

Both - Minimal state to provide security and law and order (Nozick NeoC especially)

Neolib on economy - Privitasation as seen with thatcher steel and coal
Neolib on Individual - Atomistic individual (Self intrested, rational), no welfare or intervention
Neoconserv - Disagree with permissiveness and social changes like SSM. Freedom preserved by less gov intervention
Neoconserv - Promote traditional family values (contrasts neolib)
Neoconserv - Agreement with hobbes over need for law and order (Nasty, Brutish and Short)