Conservatism Flashcards
KEY PRINCIPLES: pragmatism
Decisions should be made in a flexible way on the basis of what works, rather than being driven by ideology or dogmatic thinking.
- leads them to advocate for gradual change
Michael Oakeshott set out the conservative case for pragmatism “To be conservative, then is to prefer the familiar to the unknown, to prefer the tried to the untried”
Pragmatism in strands
Traditional conservatives - pragmatism can be seen in their deep-rooted preference for existing institutions and proven practices over theory or ideology. Society is complex and organic.
One-nation - in the face of societal changes brought about by industrialisation and capitalism, some degree of state intervention and reform was necessary to prevent social unrest and maintain national cohesion.
Disraeli’s government enacted social reforms such as the Public Health Act of 1875.
New-Right - rejects pragmatism. Instead favoured a more ideological stance driven by a strong belief in negative freedom. Thatcher was openly critical of the post-war consensus that had been influenced by One-Nation conservative ideas. Return to traditional values.
KEY PRINCIPLES: tradition
Central to conservatism and is viewed as reflecting the accumulated wisdom of post societies and a profound connection between generations.
- e.g. conservatives strong support for the monarchy and the Church of England.
Traditional is crucial for maintaining stability and security within society.
BURKE (traditional) saw tradition as a critical thread linking past present, and future generations, creating a sense of belonging and continuity.
Tradition in the strands of conservatism
Traditional conservatives - fundamental principle, influencing beliefs on society, the state, human nature and the economy.
One-Nation conservatives - was central to the ideas of one-nation conservatives, who completely agreed with the view that tradition should be listened to as the accumulated wisdom of the past. In the face of societal change under industrialisation, one nation conservatives recognised the need to change in order to conserve the traditional structure of society and its key institutions.
New-Right - views and society weren’t driven by seeking to learn from accumulated wisdom of the past. On the other hand, Neo-conservatives support for anti-permissiveness advocated a return to traditional values.
Reagan strongly advocated for traditional family values.
KEY PRINCIPLES: paternalism and hierarchy
Belief that the state should exert a benign influence from above, governing in the interests of the people.
Paternalism isn’t about authority but about responsible governance that considers the welfare of all citizens.
This principle is rooted in their belief in human imperfection. Closely linked for strong support to hierarchy.
Paternalism and hierarchy in the strands
Traditional conservatism - based on the view that the state, embodying tradition and pragmatism, knows what is best for the people, and all citizens should therefore follow what the state decides and tells them to do. Approach is authoritarian in nature. Links to support of hierarchy.
BURKE demonstrated his belief that hierarchy in society is natural by stating “we look up with awe to kings; with affection to parliaments….”
One-Nation - paternalism is centralism. Rooted in a sense of moral duty, as articulated in the concept of nobless oblige. Support for paternalism is not just due to a belief in moral duty, but also a pragmatic strategy to uphold and maintain order, hierarchy and the position of the aristocracy atop the social social hierarchy in positions of power and wealth.
New-Right - rejected principles of paternalism and hierarchy. Argued excessive state intervention not only curtailed individual freedom but also stifled economic growth and innovation. Driven promoting individualism, autonomy and meritocracy in society and the economy. Minimising government.
New Right’s opposition to paternalism can be seen in Ayn Rand’s opposition to the concept of personal altruism, which she viewed as the moral obligation to place the needs of other above one’s own interests.
KEY PRINCIPLES: capitalism and property
Strongly supported by the conservatives, rooted in the principles of pragmatism, respect for tradition, and the concept of an organic society.
Advocate for capitalism primarily because they see it as the most practical and efficient economic system.
Idea of free market, in which individuals naturally trade with each other, is consistent with an organic, rather than designed, society.
Support for property rights.
Capitalism and property in the strands
Traditional conservatism - strong supporters of capitalism and property, which were seen as being the most pragmatic and tested economic system, based on the accumulated wisdom of tradition and experience. Both capitalism and property were also seen as important to maintaining hierarchy. Worried about the possibility of completely free markets undermining order and stability in society.
BURKE - wary of the potential of unregulated economic liberalism and the unfettered pursuit of individual wealth if it led to social injustice or undermined communal bonds.
One-Nation - strongly supports capitalism due to the pragmatic approach and the respect for tradition it shares with traditional conservatism. Due to their emphasis on paternalism, they support more state intervention to ensure the welfare of all members of society. Degree of state intervention was necessary. Necessary to preserve hierarchy and prevent social revolution.
MacMillan built 300,000 new homes per year when he was PM.
New-Right - driven by libertarianism - liberty, autonomy and free choice. Advocated for minimal state interference in the economy and laissez-faire capitalism.
Nozick “The minimal state is the most extensive state that can be justified. Any state more extensive violates people’s rights”
Rand and Nozick’s support for Neoliberalism
Ayn Rand was strongly opposed to the welfare state, seeing it as curtailing individual freedom and as a step towards authoritarianism.
Nozick too was opposed to the welfare state and extensive taxation. He saw both of these as dangerously infringing upon individual autonomy and freedom in the name of supporting others.
Neoliberalism under Thatcher
- widespread privatisation of state-owned industries including British Gas and British Airways
- implemented significant tax reforms, notably reducing the top rates of income tax to encourage investment and entrepreneurship.
-“Right to buy” scheme - allowed millions of council house tenants to purchase their homes at a discount
KEY PRINCIPLES: organic society/state
Emphasising that society and the state develop naturally and cannot be artificially designed or engineered.
Society is a living organism. Changes occur gradually and naturally through an evolutionary process.
Michael Oakeshott (traditional) used the analogy of a boat to illustrate this principle.
Leads to conservatives opposing the codification of the constitution.
Organic society in the strands
Traditional conservatism - strongly endorse the concept of an organic society, with a deep respect for tradition and established institutions. Support Church and monarchy, see them as vital organs.
Burke’s advocacy for localism and little platoons, such as families, local communities and social groups, that provide individuals with security, status, and a sense of belonging.
One-Nation conservatism - agree with traditional conservatism’s view that society should develop organically.
New Right - reject organic society and support atomism. Society is less of an organically evolving entity shaped by traditions and communal relationships, and more a collection of individuals pursuing their own interests. Focus on promoting individualism.
Rand argued the smallest minority on earth is the individual.
Atomism is the belief that society is primarily made up of distinct, independent individuals.
Thatcher was known for her strong support for an atomistic view of society that centred individuals.
KEY PRINCIPLES: Human imperfection
Humans are flawed which makes them incapable of making good decisions for themselves. This pessimistic interpretation is very different from liberals far more optimistic interpretation.
Hobbes (traditional) human nature is “Nasty, brutish and short”
Hobbes argued for a strong, central authority because of this.
Humans are influenced by emotions, fears and desires, rather than rational though. Tradition important to guide.
Morally imperfect - naturally inclined to self-interest
Intellectual imperfection - limitation in their understanding and capacity to rationalise.
Human imperfection in the strands
traditional conservatism - interpretation of human imperfection is deeply influenced by Christian teachings about original sin and the fallibility of man.
Central to the work of Burke - emphasised need for moral guidance and structure in society. Individuals are not inherently equipped to make decisions solely based on reason and individual judgement. Require guidance.
One-Nation - largely consistent with that of traditional conservatives. Acknowledge inherent imperfection. One development is their recognition that humans need a certain level of practical support in an industrialised capitalist economy that creates inequalities and risks poor living and working conditions. Public Health Act 1875.
New-Right - they don’t see humans as imperfect, see them as rational and self-interested and see this as a positive thing that creates the potential for self-governance and self-improvement. Inherently driven to pursue their own goals and interests. State should primarily exist to protect individual rights, enforce contracts and ensure national security.
Rand’s objectivism
Argued that self-interest not only benefitted society, but was a moral imperative. In her philosophy of objectivism, Rand posited that pursuit one’s own happiness and interests is the highest moral pursuit, a viewpoint that fundamentally opposes the notion of self-sacrifice for collective goals. Opposed personal altruism.
