CONSERVATISM Flashcards
1
Q
similarities between conservatives over the state
A
- presence of the state / its function
- all conservatives believe in the presence of the state to be strong in order to promote social order and cohesion, and limit social fragmentation
- the presence of the state will enlarge freedom overall
- humans need the state to restrict them
2
Q
what did the new right develop out of
A
- out of the lack of growth in the economy and inflation
- felt the need to adapt to the economic crisis because the idea of ‘consensus politics’ was not working
3
Q
views of hobbs on society
A
- society requires formal authority to prevent a descent into a state of nature
- society cannot be civil without a state (reinforces the naturally chaotic society)
- any form of social order and authority is better than none - fragility of society
- society will form a social contract with the state, in order to have legitimacy and prevent this violence and chaos
- society has an obligation to the state in order to prevent anarchy
- society is naturally chaotic, violence and a state of nature - a sovereign state will hinder this and impose order
- an ordered society will allow for a free life bc ppl sacrificed for a sovereign
- there is no natural hierarchy in society, the state is the hierarchy
4
Q
what is social conservatism
A
- the individual is a part of social groups which provides security and a meaning to life
- society is made from a network of relationships
- these relationships can only be maintained by duty, traditionalism and the state
- social conservatism erodes selfish individualism
5
Q
describe general conservative views of the economy
A
- support of a capitalist economic system to defend inequality and hierarchy
- risk and innovation not order and stability
- some state intervention in the economy to provide a traditionalist and paternal lens
- defence of property
- property reflects merit and provides protection
- impose protectionist policies through tariffs and duties
- the state should manage market forces to promote full employment and therefore social order
- not so much a fan of laissez-faire economics, because this is too optimistic of market forces
6
Q
give the 2 theories of paternalism
A
hard paternalism = the elite decide what is best, irrespective of what the majority wants
soft paternalism = power is with the elite, but the decisions of the elite must have the consultation of the non elite
7
Q
neoliberal views of society
A
- society needs a strong authority figure to bring stability and enforce control - tough stance on law and order
- however, promotes a more individualist society to maximise motivation, so society should not be focused on community values
- atomistic society - society should orientate around the individual in order to maximise and preserve their liberty
- society is purely a product of the individual and self-interested individuals
- pursuit of this notion of negative freedom - there should be minimal constrains on individual action (society is potentially a restraint)
8
Q
views of nozick on the economy
A
- libertarianism - individuals should be left alone economically
- culture of meritocracy and productivity
- minimal welfare = negative freedom
- welfare causes disadvantages
- control state spending
- minimal income redistribution because it creates a dependency culture and does not incentivise people to work
- deregulation
- privatization of public services, competition, reduce state
- belief that tax is theft - consent?
- a free market economy will bring a vibrant and prosperous sociery
- maintaining property rights because it enhances individualism
- reduced rights of trade unions because they disrupt a market balance
9
Q
differences between conservatives over the state
A
- difference between the size of the state
neolibs = minimal gov intervention to preserve freedom and enhance individualism
one nation = large, expansive state to act as a safety net and help the vulnerable (housing + factory act)
traditional cons = the state gives people rights vs neolibs = the state harms people’s rights
- hobbes = minimal, life, lib, prop and agree with rand - difference over the state in the economy
neolibs = minimal gov intervention in the economy through a welfare state because this promotes a dependency culture and inhibits individual economic freedom - laissez faire economic approach - neocons agree - interpretations and attitudes to the state
neolibs = negatively view the state, deem it as coercive
one nation = positively view the state as an institution to protect and provide for the vulnerable in society - paternalistic view
traditional cons = view the state as an institution to rid humans of their corruptible human nature - state = empirical or normative / pragmatic or ideological
- is there a clear principle to adhere to?
- idea of pragmatism, focus on the now
- new right = ideologically driven end goal
- condemn theory and idealism (burke)
10
Q
views of burke on society
A
- society is a partnership between those living, dead and born
- enhancing and using tradition to expand freedom and guide change
- supports a hierarchy by the “wiser, stronger and more opulent” to impose social order
- upper classes have a duty to lower classes (paternalism)
- society from french rev was unrealistic and utopian
- belief in an organic society, which upholds tradition using a hierarchy
- change to conserve- but must be cautious and organic
- change must be based on empiricism, not idealism
- desirable ruling class for order and tradition, but this class must be representative, or rev occurs (which would undermine tradition / stability)
- society of small platoons and small communities - idea of localism and tight knit communities
- platoons BIND society
- intellectual elite
11
Q
differences between conservatives over society
A
- disagreement over nature of society
- organicism, paternalism, respect for tradition, change to conserve, helping out others in society
- neoliberals believe in an atomistic society, in which society is the product of individuals - society must orientate around the individual and serve to their interests
- thatcher = no such thing as society
- one nation conservatives and traditional conservatives believe individuals are the product of society vs new right = they are society - idea of empiricism
- psychology v ideology point - no destination, pragmatism in society
- gap between oakeshott and nozick
- empirical or normative - agreement on property
- hierarchy, inequality
- individual merit and power
- bring stability and security - community stances
- neoliberals consistently support this idea that there should be less emphasis on social responsibility and community values, because the individual should be left to their own devices
- other conservatives believe that social responsibility and cohesion are key for enforcing unity and achieving cohesiveness
- ie burke’s platoons
12
Q
similarities between conservatives over society
A
- hierarchy
- concept of noblesse oblige - the rich have a duty to help those who are less privileged in society to further their cause and help them develop
- society should orientate around traditional ideas because they are proven to have worked
- notion of leadership and authority - change to conserve / nature of social change
- society must change and adapt to preserve itself
- there is an underlying commitment to traditional values, because these values enforce social stability - organicism of society
- society is an organic institution
- most conservatives (aside from neoliberals) support this idea of a collective society to promote social cohesion - operation of society
- decide that society should operate by having tough stances on law and order
- this will introduce social stability and prevent chaos / fragmentation
- strong social forces and strong leaders should be used to implement this
13
Q
one nation views of the economy
A
- believe in a free market economy
- suspicious of capitalism because it cannot be controlled, and because it widens the wealth gap, which will undermine social order and trigger revolution (capitalism threatens unity)
- but they do practice capitalism
- believe in a welfare state, but a mixed economy
- state ownership of some industry
- will attempt to maximise full employment
- defence of private property
- economic policy should be flexible to support change (change to conserve), but moderate to prevent revolution and undermining social order
- compassionate conservatism - ownership, property and regulation
14
Q
2 phrases to describe conservatism
A
- change to conserve
- doctrine of maintenance
*NOT REACTIONARY - pragmatic
15
Q
views of hobbs on the state
A
- individual rights depend entirely on law and order, only the state can provide this law, security and order (its fundamental purpose)
- requirement of government by consent
- state prevents a ‘state of nature’ which would impose self-interest
- state must be rationally created by a contract between government and governed
- authority must be imposed to prevent envy between individuals, but without a state, there would be uncertainty and war
- citizens have an obligation to respect the state, or they will fall into a state of nature
- any system of rule is better than none, bc it provides security + stability (preservation of traditional values)
- defends an absolutist government if it will prevent anarchy
- the state is accountable to people, its authority is from the people
- THE STATE IS THERE TO IMPOSE LAW AND ORDER, THAT IS ITS ONLY PURPOSE
- without formal equality, life is “nasty, brutish and short”
16
Q
describe conservative views on property
A
- property shows your success
- provides stability and security (in an unpredictable world), as people will respect individual property and aspire to have this, which will promote law and order
- property is often inherited, and is therefore a connection between generations
- those with property should help the poor to prevent revolution
17
Q
what is judeo-christian morality
A
- the notion of following social norms and expectations of marriage, self-contained families and being accountable for yourself
- support ideas of altruism and compassion to bind individuals together and eradicate imperfection
18
Q
views of burke on the state
A
- the state should consist of an elite to impose a hierarchy, and use tradition and fact to guide change
- state must preserve traditional institutions, bc we know they work
- the state is only there for law and order, none else - strong state
- change must be cautious and organic
- must rule in the interests of all individuals to prevent revolution and introduce organic / normal change
19
Q
describe the notion of hierarchy
A
- imperfection of human nature allows for inequalities within human nature
- those with more experience and who are more ‘wise’ will form a hierarchy
- conservatives do not desire equality of status and power, their imperfection needs leadership from small groups of individuals
- idea of noblesse oblige, and that the hierarchy allows for notions of paternalism
20
Q
describe organicism and empiricism
A
organicism = society should be unplanned + evolve naturally
- society should have roots, but the way in which it grows and develops are unpredictable
empiricism = social change must be based on data and evidence, NOT theory
21
Q
neoliberal views of the economy
A
- minimal welfare state - dependency culture / small state
- laissez faire economic policies - the government and intervention causes decline - flexibility, freedom and economic vibrancy
- controlled spending - a lower welfare state will lower spending and debt
- small welfare state to ensure people do not feel economically constricted
- believe in constant economic growth, inflation threatens social order
- lower taxation, lower spending and privatization
- distrust the state with their money (“theft”)
- capitalism = defend individual wealth
- your responsibility to fix your economic issues - individualist mindset
- deregulation - challenge keynesian structures
- response to control and mitigate inflation
- property is a mechanism for you to resist coercive state power
- break the power of trade unions
22
Q
traditional conservative views of human nature
A
- humans gravitate to the safe and familiar because they are security seeking, and therefore their behaviour is predictable - they repel from the unknown because it is not stable
- humans are cautious, and therefore support slow, gradual change which preserve what they already know (because it works), over large-scale revolutionary change
- respect and preservation of tradition (do not try to fix unnecessary things)
- humans are dependent on one another, because they are intellectually limited and imperfect
- therefore, humans lack the rationality to make smart decisions, and need a parental figure to assist them in doing this
- humans are corrupt and greedy, needing a wider presence to reign humans in - therefore the hierarchy, state etc are needed todo this
23
Q
neoconservative views of the state
A
- minimal state, but should be strong in order to preserve freedom and social stability, prevent social fragmentation
- state must restore order
- the state should not expand its authority more than needed, and should adequately promote democracy
- the state should bind society together and promote an insular culture, and todo so, must be tough on law, order and immigration
- the state should restore public order, family values and identity
- sceptical of the EU
24
Q
what to talk about when discussing the state
A
- a nation state
- a ruling class - elitism
- intervention in the economy
- intervention in society - authority and order
- origins of the state in terms of organicism (don’t like theory)
25
one nation views of society
- overarching social obligation, whilst condemning individualism
- society should function on this idea of noblesse oblige in order to promote a unified and collectivist society
- society must be tough on crime on order to avert social instability
- cohesive + unified society
- notion of changing to conserve - society will mildly and gradually change its values in order to preserve the traditional institutions which are regarded to have worked
- society should orientate on collectivist principles to avert individualism and people naturally gravitating to working in their own self interest
- society can only be held together if it is a unified organism, which orientates around people accepting their duty and obligations
26
traditional conservative views of the state
- support the state, because it will control the corrupt human nature of individuals
- the role of the state is to provide order and security, as this will enlarge freedom and liberty
- the state should NOT arise from discussion and agreement, otherwise a state based on ideas, not pragmatism will not work to control an organic society
- support the state acting as a neutral referee
- the state is critical in providing rights to people - it precedes society
- the state is a paternal 'organ' / institution
27
similarities between conservatives over the economy
1. ideas around private property
- support enforcing private property, as it supports a meritocracy, whilst also providing stability and comfort - prevents this idea of unpredictability
- support by one nation conservatives
- hierarchy, stability
2. economic structure
- all conservatives believe in a CAPITALIST economic structure which has free market forces
- INDIVIDUALISM
- belief in a FREE MARKET SYSTEM
3. the economy should reflect the idea of changing to conserve
- one nation conservatives - believe in flexible economic policy to prevent potential revolution
- capitalism promotes innovation, and hinders revolution - will protect social order, and this innovation allows for fundamental ideas to be conserved
28
views of burke on human nature
- humans are imperfect
- mankind has a tendency to fail rather than succeed - fallibility
- humans are creatures of tradition and stability
- human nature is not guided mainly by reason
- humans are falliable, not terrible - humans are capable of kindness
- human action must be rooted in tradition and history, because humans are not guided by reason
- humans gain support and comfort from those around them (hence platoons)
29
neo-conservative views of human nature
- humans lack morality and rationality
- humans crave unity because they fear fragmentation
- humans are sceptical of one another, partially because they are not rational, but partially because freedom gives humans to choose their own moral values and leads to fragmentation (moral pluralism will undermine social cohesion)
- humans must be controlled and civilised through strong moral expectations and standards in order to enforce stability
- believe in traditional family values which produces a natural hierarchy and domestic order
30
views of nozick on the state
- the growth of the government is a threat to freedom - nightwatchman
- limited state intervention in the economy through the welfare state because it promotes a dependency culture
- belief in a minimal state + should not impose on basic, fundamental freedoms
- do not want a natural state
- the government should not interfere in individual talent and action
- social justice does not require redistribution
- formal authority of the state is needed to protect life, liberty and property and enforce law
- humans need a force of restraint to limit them by community
- humans should be constrained in order to obtain peace
- attempts by government to impose change will only benefit those in government
31
define pragmatism
the idea of going with 'what works' in order to 'change to conserve' and evolve society in order to prevent an upheaval and challenging of social order
- ideas of tradition, order and authority will only be safe if policy is practical and adaptable
32
traditional conservative views of society
- darwinistic ideas of natural selection - traditional ideas have survived because of their 'stamina', and wisdom therefore we should preserve them (TRADITION GUIDES ACTION)
- tradition helps to root people in society and grounds them, by linking generations + enforcing unity
- society should change slowly in order to preserve the past
- society is ORGANIC - notion of organicism in order to promote social cohesion and working together (unity and fear of fragmentation)
- society must have strict expectations and rules to promote common morality
- paternalistic society and hierarchical society - upper classes have a duty to lower classes (noblesse oblige) to prevent revolution (which fractures stability) - enforces stability
- society as a whole is greater than its individual parts, as society can help to nurture individual parts
- society must be pragmatic
33
views of hobbs on the economy
- protectionist approach?
- limited faith in the market
- supports capitalism, but needs some intervention
34
one nation views of the state
- support a large, expansive state, because the state should be a safety net for poor
- want the state to introduce a minimal standard for people in society
- the state will prevent revolution and social fragmentation, which would threaten stability / order
- the main role of the state is to preserve order, not create a hierarchy, which would only further discontent and threaten order
- the state should enforce paternalism to care for the most vulnerable in society
- the state has a role in fulfilling tradition, whilst caring for its citizens
(ie factory and housing acts)
35
views of rand on the economy
- negative liberty - minimal restrictions to allow for maximum freedom
- laissez faire economy to expand individual liberty and promote competition for growth and a system of knowledge, goods and services
- free market bc people are rational - use reason to create something of value (risk)
- privatization of structures
- cuts to taxation - individual autonomy
- minimal welfare state and limit expenditure
- economic libertarianism
- wealth must go toward those who deserve it
- compulsion will kill innovation, you cannot force the economy to prosper
- we should reduce the powers of trade unions because they interfere with the free market
- a free market economy can allow society to be prosperous
36
views of oakeshott on society
- conservative societies are focused on the now - "stay afloat" in choppy waters instead of sailing to a planned destination - pragmatic (nautical metaphor)
- social change must be slow and respectful / influenced by the past
- conservatives like a society oriented around comfort, family and friends
- society should focus on actual, possible change, not utopian and idealistic change
- social change must be guided by experience, empicism, trial and error, not abstract ideas
- society is better with the presence of routine and being bound in tradition
37
key politicians who supported conservative ideals
- reagan - idea of free market economics and reaganomics
- thatcher - thatcherism - new right ideas of privitization, tax reduced, trad family etc
38
describe general conservative views of the state
- dependent on the existence of the state (main role) = order and security from above, not giving power to those below
- authority develops naturally - ORGANIC STATE GROWTH - PRAGMATISM V IDEOLOGY
- laws backed by authority
- order and structure = provide liberty
- the state precedes society, because it is providing order in society - individual rights depend on order which the state imposes
- sceptical of a state which arises from formal discussion, because it is too idealistic and not realistic (doomed to fall which only creates inequality)
- support an organic state which arises naturally from a natural aristocracy to pragmatically respond to individual needs
- individual right depends on law + order
- deter bad behaviour through strong gov
- state and gov must provide adequate leadership
39
what is the core view of one nation conservatives
NOBLESSE OBLIGE + PATERNALISM
40
differences between conservatives over human nature
1. disagree on the extent to which human nature is imperfect (burke vs hobbes)
- idea that humans are self reliant and individualist because they are rational (neolib) vs (trad cons) who believe that humans depend on one another because they are fundamentally flawed
2. notions of rationality - traditional conservatives believe humans lack the rationality to make smart decisions vs neoliberals who believe in the inherent rationality of humans
3. social responsibility - neoliberals believe in being atomistic, and therefore lacking social responsibility, whereas all other types of conservatives believe in collectivism and social responsibility to create cohesion and support individual flaws
4. extent to which human nature needs state intervention (new right v one nation)
5. grand plans
- pragmatism - humans focus on the now, not the future
- there is no ideological end destination
- if human nature needs firm principles and general freedoms (ie oakeshott) vs new right thinking that this is lazy and does not take into account long term factors
- disagreement on psychology vs ideology
41
6 key values of all conservatives and briefly explain each value
1. pragmatism
- notion of flexibility
- consideration of practicality
- idea of EMPIRICISM
- care about now, not future
2. tradition
- notion that wisdom is passed down through societies and accumulates through wisdom, which we should preserve and respect
3. human imperfection
- humans are flawed beings
- because of this, they cannot make decisions for themselves
- imperfection of psychological, moral and intellectual
4. an organic society
- a society is more important than its individual parts
- stable, secure and orderly society
5. paternalism
- acting as a 'paternal' figure, the idea that there is power above which is exerted by the state to govern in the interests of the people
- notion that the state knows what is best, people should respect this, yet also the state can help individuals look after themselves
6. libertarianism
- the upholding of liberty
- humans must have their autonomy and free choice maximised
42
describe traditional conservatism
- committing to values of the hierarchy and paternalism
- evolved as a response to the french revolution
- support gradual change to be based on tradition and accumulated knowledge (and change being implemented on a hierarchy of working classes)
- an organic society of small communities is ideal
- it is to prefer order, property and tradition - through authority and order
- it supports the idea that society must change to conserve, otherwise if old societies are maintained, people drift to more radical causes
43
views of hobbs on human nature (trad con)
- humans desperately like the safe and familiar, and are willing to sacrifice liberty for social order
- humans are greedy - "power after power"
- sceptical of human nature, as humans are selfish, calculating and competitive
- humans fear and distrust one another
- humans have a degree of rationality to reach agreement and enforce contracts
- humans are naturally inclined to act in their own self interest
44
views of nozick on human nature
- individuals are self-motivated and driven
- individuals must be left alone to recognise and realise their talents
- not entirely positive to human nature
- humans yearn for freedom
- humans are pack animals and need a leader, but require some authority to limit them (hobbes)
- humans are self-interested and will always place their individual needs above other
- the human is sovereign
45
real life examples of conservative pragmatism
1. george canning
- gave catholics the vote to prevent them from rebelling
2. robert peel
- introduced the great reform act to industrial towns
46
bullet point the key words regarding conservatism
- organicism
- hierarchy
- authority
- changing to conserve
- atomism
- noblesse oblige
47
traditional conservative views of the economy
- support a capitalist economic structure with free markets and minimal government intervention
- capitalism promotes innovation, providing evolution, not revolution (ie capitalism can be predictable and protect social order)
- state intervention for full employment
- protection of private property
- property is something which is also passed down, and has a social element (idea of traditionalism and linking society / binding generations)
- capitalism drives competition and will motivate people to work harder
- support ideas of keynesian economic approach to maximise productivity
- protectionist policies of tariffs to moderate markets
- neoliberal faith in market is too optimistic - prefer moderation
48
one nation conservative views of human nature
- humans are flawed / lack rationality = because of this, humans should follow specific moral values and guidance (typically imposed by a state)
- humans are flawed but not immoral, but need strong guidance
- humans naturally desire to help other people
- humans gravitate toward preserving tradition, because tradition is proved to have worked, and so will bring stability
- humans want to preserve national unity because it will bring political stability
49
views of rand on human nature
- idea of objectivism - humans are guided by self interest and rational self fulfillments (reason, purpose and self-esteem)
- humans should be safeguarded from one another
- humans are rational, don't need to be controlled
- humans will always put themselves first - egoistical individualism
- humans cannot be how you want them to be
- humans yearn for freedom
- humans are pack animals who find comfort from being bound together
50
views of oakeshott on the economy
- flexible economic policy to conserve society and adapt to change
- must preserve and protect private property to maximise freedom and provide stability
- respond to changes as they are made
- economic policy should be guided by fact
51
views of burke on the economy
- economic policy must be based on caution, fact and experience, not theory - guided by proved tradition
- emphasis on private property as it enhances liberty and provides stability
- humans are imperfect and find it difficult to understand complex ideas and economics is complex
52
views of rand on society
- individuals, not government are at the heart of successful societies
- society would be nothing without the individual (indv > society)
- belief in atomistic societies, which are individuals who want self-fulfillment
- society doesn't exist, it is only a loose connection of individuals
- people should not be overly dependent on the state
- altruism stems from pity and undermines independence
- society should promote the right to choice
- humans will help themselves in society, so society is not as cohesive and tightly bound
53
describe organicism
- the idea that society is organic, and society is greater than the individual
- society can only work if individual relationships and social conservatism is upheld
- society is formed by necessity and is the product of impulses of love and responsibility
- parts of society must work together - collectivism
54
describe some of the values of the new right
- more radical in its nature to respond to inflation, unemployment, crime etc
- support free market reforms and economic liberalism
- laissez faire capitalism + individual freedom
- reduction of a bureaucracy
- privatization of state run companies
- reductions to taxation
- parliamentary system of government
- fear of over-government because it will threaten individual liberty and security
- minimal government + limited gov
- support for property rights - do what you want with your property (minimal distribution)
- enforce conservative values of marriage and family life
55
describe general conservative views of society
1. tradition
- society = roots, in order to ground individuals (grounded in tradition)
- tradition = identity, belonging, stability and cohesion
- tradition shapes society
- tradition = accumulated wisdom of those in the past (survival of the fittest - survived bc they could)
- society is a 'living organism' - ORGANICISM - condemn revolutionary change and support tradition= tradition generates identity and guides society
- society gives the individual 'roots' to uphold them - it is about CHANGING TO CONSERVE to uphold these roots - respect tradition
2. hierarchy
- conservative society = need STABILITY and ORDER = hierarchy brings order
- imperfect human nature allows social inequalities
- imperfect humans = inequality = leadership from the more knowledgable
- freedom = accepting your position in society and your obligations to help others - doing your duty and knowing your rights enlarges freedom and prevents atomism and isolation and instead enforce cohesion
- social conservatism
- PERFECT SOCIETY IS NOT POSSIBLE - but hierarchy enforces order to make it better
- society is a necessary mechanism to break up selfish individualism
- NOBLESSE OBLIGE
3. judeo-christian morality
- traditional values of marriage, a nuclear family and accountability
56
what are the 3 f's of neoconservatism
- family
- faith
- flag - patriotism
57
neoconservative views of society
- society requires a strong leader / authority figure to unite society, enforce social discipline and promote social cohesion (tough law and order)
- anti-permissiveness - less tolerant to ideas of divorce, abortion etc
- hierarchy needed in society - order
- society must be strict on crime and anti-social behaviour in order to avert social fragmentation and promote unity
- harsh on immigration, because immigration challenges national identity
- believe in judeo-christian morality and the traditional family - respect for patriarchal values
- heavy reliance on religion to prevent people fro making bad choices
- neoconservative societies are more anti-globalisation and don't like pluralism because it promotes this degree of multiculturalism which threatens social cohesion and can cause racial conflicts etc
- don't like multiculturalism because it threatens roots of tradition and a political community - eurosceptic
- emphasis being placed on a common culture and need for identity
58
describe the conservative belief of localism
the idea that society consists of little platoons and small communities
- these communities break up selfish individualism
- palace isn't safe when cottage is unhappy idea
59
views of nozick on society
- individuals should be left alone (socially)
- society precedes the state
- a limited state will allow autonomous and self-sufficient communities to emerge and become socially independent - link to burke
- social income should not be redistributed because it undermines individual rights and reduces human work
60
difference between conservatives over the economy
1. state intervention in the economy
- neoconservatives and neoliberals support that there should be minimal economic responsibilities of the state in order to preserve and enlarge individualism, and to prevent a dependency culture - unregulated capitalist economy by the new right
- a lack of regulation is the best way to achieve efficiency and prosperity
2. rationalism and economic decisions
- neoliberals believe in rational economic thinking and this pursuit of individualism which will deliver efficiency, whereas traditional conservatives believe in paternalism and pragmatism guiding economic thinking
3. mindset toward the economy
- the new right believes in laissez faire economics, which is optimistic to market forces, but traditional conservatives are pessimistic to market forces
4. engagement in the economy
- trad conservatives believe in extensive economic engagement
- new right disengage in the economy, because economy with minimal intervention will prosper, allowing for greater spending on armed forces etc
61
views of oakeshott on the state
- life without law would be "noisy, foolish and flawed"
- the state is to "prevent the bad, rather than create the good" - notion of a minimal state - the state should only keep the ship sailing
- the government's job is to induce social stability and to keep the 'ship afloat' using its experience and knowledge, rather than fixating on abstract things
- change cannot be built based on ideas and utopia, must be based on empiricism and practicality
- the state must impose order and social structure
- the state must be representative and guided by the people, but using government experience - civil association
- the state must be guided by tradition and practical concern not idea
62
neo-liberal views of human nature
- humans crave stability
- humans are atomistic and self oriented, lending to the idea of egoistical individualism
- humans are individually led
- humans are rational, and so are also self reliant (rational self interest)
- humans are selfish, and do not reinforce ideas of social responsibility
- humans owe nothing to society
63
describe general conservative views of human nature
1. humans are psychologically limited and dependent
- humans are frail, imperfect and fragile
- humans therefore crave the familiar, as liberty promotes unpredictability
- humans fear isolation
- hence humans crave a social order over liberty
- humans are dependent and security seeking
2. humans are morally imperfect
- human nature does not change, it is constant - pessimistic
- humans are selfish and greedy / not malleable
- a strong government is needed to deter this selfish nature, and the law is to preserve this order
- law is used to restrain imperfection of humans
3. humans lack intellectual power
- humans are suspicious of unknown systems - prefer traditionalism to dogma and theory because they know it works (comfort)
- because they lack this power, they prefer tradition to ground and stabilise this
- prefer a politics of principle
(bring in new right contrast here)
- evidence over theory - focus on present
- lack intellectual power so they prefer practicality and pragmatism
64
describe the conservative belief of hierarchy / where it stems from
- idea of imperfect human nature
- some will be more educated than others, in which these people should form a ruling class / ruling elite - noblesse oblige + paternalism
- this will induce social order and uphold tradition / stability
65
similarities between conservatives over human nature
1. human imperfection
- agreement on imperfection
2. authority figures
- authority figures are needed to keep humans in check because of imperfection
- need authority to maintain stability
- human nature is not malleable / is constant
- leviathan link
agreement that humans crave unity and fear fragmentation - a state is needed to impose unity and social cohesion, because fragmentation can cause chaos
66
what 2 ideas can you talk about when discussing conservative views on society, and briefly explain each
1. tradition
- tradition creates this sense of familiarity
- promotes this concept of 'belonging' and social cohesion
- traditions have survived because they have shown that they are fit todo so - therefore we should preserve them
- CHANGE TO CONSERVE
2. hierarchy
- the wiser, less imperfect in society should establish a hierarchy and provide leadership for others to accept
- creates and links to this idea of paternalism, with the wider of those in society acting as a parental figure, with the less wise in society being educated by this
67
views of oakeshott on human nature (traditional conservative)
- also thought human nature is fallible but not terrible, and imperfect but not immoral
- human nature is benign and benevolent when guided by routine, religious principles and family
- humans naturally prefer the tried and tested to the unpredictable (actual to the possible)
- humans prefer what is known, because it provides comfort and stability "prefer tried to the untried"
68
what are the key things to talk about when discussing society
- localism
- organicism
- empiricism
- tradition
- hierarchy
- judeo-christian morality
- property
69
views of rand on the state
- belief in a minimal state as to maximise individual autonomy - limited government
- "roll back frontiers of the state"
- a small state is a strong state
- small states will enable market growth and a free, cultural society
- liberty is impossible without the order and security that the state provides
- the state does need to restrain and impose authority onto humans
- for peace and stability, humans must be constrained by the state
- the state must be minimal to allow for a free market to prosper
- reduction of the dependency culture of the state by welfare
- minimal state will allow excellence to emerge
- the only role of the state is to safeguard individuals from one another
70
neoliberal views of the state
- criticise government intervention + roll back state = maximise freedom
- want a free market economy for growth
- success of the individual, not the state
- the only way to preserve and guarantee freedom is through a small state and minimal welfare (minimise infringements on freedom)
- view the state as a coercive force which limits freedom
- the state should not regulate the socioeconomic lives of individuals, because this instead infringes economic autonomy
- small welfare state, because this will ensure individuals can be free to pursue their own lives
71
neolibs on gov intervention
- minimal gov intervention + free market
- leads to flourishing economy
- money from economy = used on police
- taxation is not used on welfare, but on law and order (police)
72
describe one nation conservatism
- evolving traditional conservatism to respond to capitalism
- everybody should have a vested interest in defending a nation state
- belief in a preservation of national unity by helping the poorer out in society
- believe in greater state intervention in society (along with higher taxation + spending) to help the vulnerable
- the aristocracy and higher orders have a paternalistic duty to help those in society to prevent revolution and maintain tradition
- belief in noblesse oblige - the rich have a responsibility for the poor and must shoulder social responsibility to prevent social uprising
- support the state sponsoring social reform and restricting the power of those above which could harm those below
- paternalism to improve the condition of the less well off and ensure that those who are vulnerable in society do not threaten social order
- consolidate hierarchy
