Conservatism Flashcards
What is the core belief of conservatism?
Trad+1Nat: A preference for traditional institutions
New right: get rid of tradition and replace aristocracy with meritocracy
What are the three main strands of conservatism?
Traditional (or classical)
One Nation
New right
What do traditional conservatives believe about human nature?
Humans are naturally imperfect
Burke says religion is a good tool for guidance
What is the conservative view of society?
Society is organic and hierarchical; change should be evolutionary not revolutionary.
Burke and Hobbes say that hierarchy is essential for society to function. Noble peole should use their power to help everyone
Oakeshott argues that society should not be interfered with. let it evolve on its own
What are conservative views of the state?
Traditional conservatives: A strong state is necessary to provide order and authority; society needs leadership and structure.
New right: the state should only be there to serve business
One Nation: state should be there to prevent revolution
What is the conservative view of the economy?
Traditional conservatives are skeptical towards capitalism but work with it
New Right conservatives support free-market economics.
one nation think that captialism should be restricted to avoid revolution
What is pragmatism?
A flexible approach to politics that considers what works in practice rather than sticking to ideological principles.
Which thinker is associated with traditional conservatism?
Edmund Burke.
What is the key idea of Edmund Burke?
Change should be cautious and respectful of tradition: “A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.”
What is One-Nation Conservatism?
A strand of conservatism that seeks to reduce social inequality and maintain national unity.
Which British Prime Minister is associated with One-Nation Conservatism?
Benjamin Disraeli.
What is paternalism?
The idea that the state should act like a ‘father’ to the people
What is the New Right?
A conservative movement combining neo-liberal economics with neo-conservative social values.
What do neo-liberals believe?
Free markets
What do neo-conservatives believe?
A strong state
Which leaders are associated with the New Right?
Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan.
What is atomism?
The idea that society is made up of self-interested individuals rather than collective groups.
What is the conservative view on tradition?
Traditions carry wisdom from the past and provide stability
Why do conservatives support hierarchy?
They believe social inequality is natural and reflects the differing abilities and roles of people.
What do conservatives think about equality?
They value order over equality and see meritocracy
What is anti-permissiveness?
Opposition to moral relativism and a belief in strong moral standards; common in neo-conservatism.
What is the conservative attitude toward multiculturalism?
Generally sceptical; fear it undermines national identity and social cohesion.
How does conservatism differ from liberalism?
Conservatives are sceptical of abstract reason and idealism
What is the conservative view on human rights?
Traditional conservatives may view them as too abstract and believe rights must be balanced with duties.
