conservatism Flashcards
How did Locke and Hobbes disagree on the power of reason?
A: Locke saw reason as guiding peace; Hobbes saw it as weak and self-serving.
What is relativism? What universal right did Hobbes recognize?
Relativism is the belief that truth is subjective. Hobbes recognized self-preservation as universal.
How did Locke and Hobbes view the state of nature?
Locke saw it as peaceful; Hobbes saw it as violent and competitive.
How did their views on the state of nature shape their views on state power?
Locke supported limited, consent-based government; Hobbes wanted strong, absolute authority.
Why did Hobbes favor an absolute monarchy?
To maintain order and ensure peace.
How did Locke and Hobbes differ on freedom and natural rights?
Locke believed in inherent rights (life, liberty, property); Hobbes saw freedom as the absence of constraints.
What is the conservative belief in human imperfection?
Humans are flawed in reasoning, morality, and behavior, requiring strong institutions and laws for stability.
Why do conservatives value tradition?
Tradition provides identity, continuity, and stability through the wisdom of past generations (e.g., monarchy, religion).
What is the conservative principle of pragmatism?
Policies should focus on practical solutions that work, rather than rigid ideological theories.
Ayn Rand (1905-1982) – Individualism & Capitalism
Wrote Atlas Shrugged (1957).
Advocated Objectivism – humans should pursue self-interest.
Supported laissez-faire capitalism and opposed state intervention.
Robert Nozick (1938-2002) – Minimal State
Wrote Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974).
Argued for a minimal state – only needed to protect rights and property.
Opposed taxation and welfare as “forced labor.”
Friedrich Hayek (1899-1992) – Free Market & Limited Government
Wrote The Road to Serfdom (1944).
Argued that state control leads to tyranny.
Favored free markets and minimal government.
Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013) – Neo-Liberal Conservatism
Influenced by Hayek and Friedman.
Advocated privatization, low taxes, and reducing state dependency.
Opposed trade unions and excessive welfare.
Edmund Burke (1729-1797) – “Father of Conservatism”
Wrote Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790).
Advocated pragmatism – change should be gradual, not revolutionary.
Defended tradition and social hierarchy as key to stability.
Believed in paternalism – the ruling class has a duty to look after the poor.
Michael Oakeshott (1901-1990) – Pragmatism Over Ideology
Wrote On Being Conservative (1962).
Saw conservatism as practical and flexible, not ideological.
Rejected radical change – emphasized experience over abstract theories.
Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) – Social Unity
Advocated One-Nation Conservatism – the rich should help the poor to prevent revolution.
Supported welfare, social reform, and national unity.
Believed in paternalism – the government has a duty to support the disadvantaged.
