Conservatism Flashcards
How do conservatives view human nature
Psychologically limited
Morally imperfect
Intellectually limited
Power after power
Rationality is unreliable
What did Hobbes say about the condition of man
The condition of man is war against everyone
What did Hobbes believe about power
Power after power is the primary human urge
What is natural aristocracy
The idea that talent and leadership are innate or
inbred abilities that cannot be acquired by hard work
What is hierarchy
A pyramid like system of command and obedience
What is paternalism
To act in a fatherly fashion.
use of power over others with aim of preventing harm or
conferring benefit.
What is authority
The right to exert influence over other by virtue of and
acknowledged obligation to obey
Why do conservatives reject negative freedom
Believe that humans need belonging- roots in society
Groups provide security
Freedom comes from accepting social ties
What did Durkheim say about negative freedom
Negative freedom leads to anomie
Why do conservatives reject social liberalism and atomism
Society is not the construct of humans
It is beyond human understanding
What do conservatives believe about society being organic
Society is shaped by natural factors not humans
What is the conservative view on private property
Private property is highly valued due to economic incentives
security
Who was an early one nation conservative
Benjamin Disraeli
What is noblesse oblige
An idea that stated that the wisdom inherent in traditions and institution’s underpin the organic society
This idea was liked by Disraeli
How does neo liberalism differ from all other aspects of conservatism
views society as being atomistic
has a positive view on human nature
What did Burke say regarding pragmatism
‘a state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation’
What is Burkes idea regarding -pragmatism
State is organic
Must change to preserve
Traditional institutions left alone
What is an example of pragmatism in practice in consensus policies
One nation conservative governments continuing with the NHS in
50s 60s 70s
What does Burke believe inaction can lead to
Damaging the organic society
What did Burke say about what causes the most change
‘Rage and Frenzy will pull down more in half an hour than prudence, deliberation and foresight can build up in 100 years.’
Which revolution did Burke support
The American revolution
Which revolution did Burke oppose
The French revolution
Why did Burke oppose thee French revolution
The revolution discarded empiricism and tradition
Why did Burke support the American revolution
it did not abandon the culture, values and tradition of the pre existing society
What is burkes view on human nature
Burke did not think humans were ruthless and individualistic. Naturally they are communal and the imperfections bands them together into supportive communities.
People are more likely to fail than succeed.
When did Disraeli exercise social reform
1867 reform act
What do one nation conservatives believe about leaving the state alone
Laissez faire
What do neo liberals believe about nationalisation
Nationalisation is bad
No profit incentive leads to inefficient wasteful business
