Conservatism Flashcards
What are the core principles of Conservatism?
Tradition, hierarchy and authority, human imperfection, organic society, and property.
Conservatives value tradition, hierarchy, and property as essential principles.
How does Conservatism view human nature?
Conservatives believe humans are inherently flawed and imperfect, with a tendency towards selfishness and irrational behavior.
Conservatives emphasize the importance of acknowledging human imperfections.
What is the Conservative perspective on society?
Society is seen as organic, evolving slowly over time, and dependent on institutions like family, religion, and tradition.
Conservatives argue that society should evolve naturally, without drastic changes.
How do Conservatives justify the importance of tradition?
Tradition provides social stability, continuity, and a sense of identity, reflecting the accumulated wisdom of past generations.
Conservatives believe tradition is essential for maintaining cultural identity.
Why do Conservatives emphasize hierarchy and authority?
Conservatives believe that hierarchy and authority are natural and necessary to maintain order, as they reflect the natural inequalities in human abilities and responsibilities.
Conservatives argue that hierarchy is crucial for societal organization.
Who is Edmund Burke, and why is he significant in Conservative thought?
Edmund Burke is considered the father of modern Conservatism, known for his emphasis on tradition, skepticism of radical change, and belief in organic society.
Burke’s ideas on tradition and society have had a lasting impact on Conservative philosophy.
What are Michael Oakeshott’s key contributions to Conservative philosophy?
Oakeshott argued that politics should be a conversation, not a quest for utopia. He emphasized pragmatism, caution, and the value of tradition.
Oakeshott’s focus on pragmatism and tradition distinguishes his contributions to Conservative thought.
What is Robert Nozick known for in the context of Conservatism?
Nozick, a key figure in the New Right, advocated for a minimal state, emphasizing individual rights, free markets, and self-ownership.
Nozick’s ideas on individual rights have influenced modern Conservative policies.
What is Thomas Hobbes’ view on human nature, and how does it influence Conservative thought?
Hobbes viewed humans as naturally selfish and in constant conflict, necessitating a strong, authoritative state to ensure order and security.
Hobbes’ perspective on human nature shapes Conservative views on the role of the state.
What is one-nation conservatism?
A form of conservatism that emphasizes social cohesion, the welfare state, and policies that reduce social inequality, while maintaining traditional Conservative values.
What are the key features of the New Right?
The New Right combines economic liberalism (free markets, minimal state) with traditional conservative values (strong state, law and order, family values).
How does Libertarian Conservatism differ from traditional conservatism?
Libertarian Conservatism prioritizes individual freedom and minimal government intervention in both economic and personal matters, diverging from the traditional Conservative emphasis on authority and social order.
What is the Conservatives stance on the role of the state?
Conservatives believe in a strong state to maintain law and order, but they also advocate for limited state intervention in the economy and individuals’ lives.
How do Conservatives view the economy?
Conservatives typically support free-market capitalism, believing it encourages innovation, efficiency, and individual responsibility.
What is the Conservative view on property?
Property is seen as a fundamental right that provides security, stability, and a stake in society, encouraging responsibility and respect for others.
