Conservatism Flashcards
what is traditional conservatism
- A reaction to the French Revolution, it emphasizes hierarchy, paternalism, and the organic society, advocating for pragmatic reforms to maintain social order.
who is the key thinker for traditional conservatism
Edmund Burke - Criticized revolutionary change and supported gradual, pragmatic reform to avoid societal chaos.
what is one nation conservatism
Aimed at reducing societal divisions caused by industrialization and laissez-faire capitalism, it promotes noblesse oblige and social reform to preserve social stability and prevent revolution.
who is the key thinker for one nation
Benjamin Disraeli - Advocated for a moral and practical commitment to helping the poor to maintain social cohesion and elite stability.
what is The new right
A fusion of neoliberalism and neoconservatism, it arose in response to economic stagnation and cultural permissiveness, advocating for free-market policies, minimal state intervention, and traditional moral values.
who is the key thinker for new right
Friedrich von Hayek and Milton Friedman - Emphasized the failures of state intervention and promoted free markets as the most efficient and moral economic system.
Edmund Burke - Human Nature
Sceptical: the ‘crooked timber of humanity’ is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievement. We may conceive of perfection but are unable to achieve it
Edmund Burke - State
The state should be constitutional, but driven by an aristocratic elite, reared to rule in the interests of all
Edmund Burke - Society
Society is organic compromising a host of small communities (little platoons) which check the power of the state
Edmund Burke - Economy
Trade should involve organic free markets and laissez-faire capitalism
Thomas Hobbes - Human nature
Individuals are selfish driven by a restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security
Thomas Hobbes - State
The state arises contractually from individuals seeking order and security. To serve its purpose, the states power must be concentrated
Thomas Hobbes - Society
There can be no society until the creation of a sate brings order to human affairs. Life until then is ‘nasty, brutish and short’
Thomas Hobbes - Economy
Constructive and enduring economic activity is impossible without the state guaranteeing order and security
Michael Oakeshott - State
The state should be guided by the tradition and practical concerns. Pragmatism, not dogmatism, should be its watchword
Michael Oakeshott - Society
Localised communities are essential to humanity’s survival and well-being
Michael Oakeshott - Economy
Free markets are volatile and unpredictable; they may require pragmatic moderation by the state
Tensions within conservatism: Human Nature
Traditional Burke + Oakeshott: take a sceptical view of human nature
New right Rand + Nozick: Positive view of human nature and what it can achieve
Tensions within conservatism: Society
Traditional Burke: see society as a collection of small communities overseen by a hierarchical paternalistic structure
New Right: more sceptical of paternalistic societies
Tensions Within Conservatism: Economy
Traditional: Defend an economy based on private ownership, but are sceptical about free market capitalism
New Right Nozick: advocate free market economies where state functions are privatised and deregulated
Tensions within conservatism: State
Traditional Burke: Defend a state where political power is with those born to rule, the best states having a ‘ruling class’
New right: Advance individual freedom and reverse the dependency culture, whilst being hostile to aristocratic rule
