Conservatism Flashcards
Hierarchy
the conservatism belief that society is naturally organised in fixed tiers where ones position is not based on individual liberty
authority
for conservatives this is the idea that people in higher positions in society should make descsion in the interest of all society
change to conserve
that society should adapt to changing circumstances rather than reject change outright and risk rebellion or revolution
atomism
society is made up of self interested and self suffieicient indiviuals (egotistical individualism)
Noblese oblige
the duty of the wealthy and privileged to look after those less fortunate
anti-permissivnes
a rejection of permissiveness which is the belief people should make their own moral choices
radical
belief whose ideas favour drastic political, economic and social change
human imperfection
the traditional conservative belief humans are flawed in a number of ways makes them incapable of making good decisions for themselves
Laissez faire
a preference towards minimal government intervention in business and the state
empiriscism
the idea that knowledge comes from real ideas not abstract theories
Thomas Hobbes (traditional)
order- an ordered society should balance the human need and lead to a free life
human nature- humans are needy vulnerable and easily led astray in attempts to understand the worlds around them
Edmund Burke (traditional)
change- a political change should be undertaken with great caution and organically
tradition and empirisism- practices passed down for generations should be respected
Michael Oakneshot (one nation)
Human imperfection- suggestion that society is unpredictable and humans are imperfect
pragmaticm- belief that conservatism is about being pragmatic
Ayn Rand (neo liberal)
objectivism- this advocates the virtues of rational self interest
freedom- this supports a pure, laissez faire capitalist economy
Robert Nozick (neo liberal) (libertarian)
Libertarianism- based o Kants idea that individuals in society cannot be treated as a thing or used against their will as a receroce
self ownership- individuals own their bodies, talents, abilities and labour
Human nature (agreement)
humans are all inherently self interested and will always choose the option which best suits them.
we are all autonomous and capeable of making our own descsions
Human nature (disagreement) Tradition or one nation
life in the state of nature would be “nasty, Brutish and short” Locke and traditional think human nature is inherently negative
Human nature disagreement (new right)
Hobbes argued “fallible not terrible” humans are capable of kindness
Humans are capable of kindness because they are pack loving animals
society agreement
tradition is important to society it helps us to stay routed on the right path
we should use experience to learn
Society (disagreement) traditional or one nation
hierarchy is natural because there is natural leader , a single figure will rise to the top regardless of class.
tradition creates a wealth of knowledge in society
Society (disagreement) new right
society just aims to stay afloat and be as successful as possible
The state (agreement)
Authority, order, security and stability should always be prioritised.
Without a strong state society is impossible
hierarchy and the aristocracy are important to society
The state (disagrement) traditional or one natrion
Hobbes idea without order there can be no liberty
Heavily supports the merits of class and therfore supports paternalism
only act to refrom when completely nescessary
The state (disagreement) new right
fearful of normatle state which rises from a single event and is not emprical
act only when reform is nescessary
state is a paradox national state can only be strengthened by rolling back frontiers
The state is overburdened by welfare
