Conservatism Flashcards
what is traditional conservatism?
emerged in the eighteenth century: argued that pragmatism (practical attitude) , empiricism (based on evidence and experience) and tradition were vital in maintaining society
what is one nation conservatism?
emerged in the nineteenth century: advocated for more state interference in both society and the economy to preserve society
what is the new right?
emerged in the 1970s: marriage between neo liberalism and neo conservatism. argued that one nation conservatism had made too many changes to the role of the state in its interactions with society and the economy - lost touch with conservative values
traditional conservative thinkers
Hobbes
Burke
Oakeshott
what is Hobbes’ state of nature?
society before state and law was a fearful and violent place, and that people would need protection
what is rationalism? give an example of it in practice
when change is made from abstract ideas
example: MacMillian adopting Keynesian economics rather than sticking to tradition
what was Hobbes, Burkes and Oakshott’s view on human imperfection?
HOBBES: humans are imperfect and ruthlessly self interested
BURKE: agrees with Hobbes but to less of an extent, believes humans are imperfect but also that they are not ruthlessly individualistic
OAKESHOTT: humans are ‘fragile and fallible’ but they are capable of benevolence
Hobbes’ view on the state
the state should have a social contract with people, and we need an absolute monarchy to guarantee rule of law
Burkes view on the state
- the state should ‘change to conserve’
- we are made up of ‘little platoons’
- society is organic, and guided by empiricism
- organic society is hierarchal
Oakeshott’s view on the state
change should be guided by empiricism and pragmatism, and the state should only go off experience
what is Burkes idea of ‘little platoons’?
localised communities that retain their identity and these communities are bonded by affection and give structure to their lives
what is Burkes ‘change to conserve’?
the idea that society should adapt/evolve shifting circumstances by making small changes. if society doesn’t change, there is a risk of rebellion (French Revolution)
what is noblesse oblige?
it is when the more fortunate/wealthy have the duty to help those who are less fortunate in society
what is pragmatism?
evaluating theories based on the past, inspired by empiricism, also consists of being flexible to decisions made
what is tradition?
having trust in past values that underpin society and passing these beliefs onto generations.
how is pragmatism put into practice?
Burkes ‘change to conserve’ inspired by Disraeli and Robert Peel
Peels Tamworth Manifesto:
argued conservatism needed to be more pragmatic and less reactionary. this led to the Great Reform Act 1832, which pragmatically accepted this emerging class during the industrial revolution
Artisan Dwellings Act 1875: dealt with slum clearance by turning low income areas into better places, this was a pragmatic approach
what is tradition?
having trust in past values that underpin society and passing these beliefs onto generations
what did Burke believe in for tradition?
Burke believed tradition is VITAL
society is a ‘partnership between those who are living, those who are dead and those who are to be born’
tradition, custom and habit should govern human action, not abstract thought
wisdom is found in long standing institutions like the monarchy, ancient schools, and universities. traditions allow individuals to feel belonging and a sense of identity
what did Oakeshott believe in for tradition?
abandoning traditions is dangerous ‘what has stood the test of time is good and must not be lightly cast aside’
rationalistic ideas of the enlightenment have weakened religion. he argued that with the decline of religion, those who used to embrace its values now favour abstract ideas and harmful rationalist thinking
what did neo conservatives believe for tradition?
although they may be unbelievers, they agree with Oakeshott that abandoning traditions is dangerous
what have some of the consequences been of abandoning tradition?
The French and Russian revolutions
what is the idea of an organic society and state?
conservatives believe that society is not created, but emerges and grows
what did traditional conservative thinkers believe in terms of an organic society and state?
once the state provides the necessary order, society will emerge organically, maturing into a complicated organism of traditions and customs
what is a natural hierarchy?
the idea that society is hierarchal, and inequality is natural
