Conservatism Flashcards
the significance of the “politics of maintenance”
Conservatism is a ideology of paradox and it is a case of changing to conserve it isn’t solely about conserving
Burke stated that a “state without the means of change is without the means of conservation”
The change can be seen as ongoing repair
the origins of conservatism?
The origins of conservatism were seen as reactionary, the politics of enlightenment. This was the idea that there was an “ideal” society and one which was by tolerance, equality and individual rights.
Burke was seen as the “father of conservatism”- and saw the importance of valuing change and also being aware of the dangers of it.
how do humans view human nature?
Human’s have a pessimistic view of society, with conservatism being described as the “philosophy of imperfection”.
Hoobes viewed human nature as selfish, calculating and competitive, and he argued that without the restraints as authority human beings would be marked by “envy, hatred and war” and this would be marked by a life that was “nasty, brutish and short”. Hobbes did later place himself closer to liberalism, he did later argue that underpinning human nature was a cold rationality.
Burke rejected the idea that HN was guided by reason and that a near-perfect society could be planned.
Both Burke and Hobbes emphasised scepticism in their human nature.
Burke did not believe that human beings were as brutally selfish as Hobbes suggested, he did also believe that humans were capable of kindness, he did not believe that humans were ruthlessly individualistic, he argued that human beings are naturally communal.
Oakshott didn’t believe about Hobbes and his view of “nasty, brutish and short” and rather a life without law would be “falleable”.
Nozick and Rand also noted how humans have a yearning for individual freedom. The new-right sees human nature as “freedom-loving pack animals”.
Hobbes and the new right saw that humans were driven by self-interest.
key thinker- Thomas Hobbes
in his work of Leviathan he took the sceptical view of human nature, arguing that human nature was needy and vulnerable and likely to commit destructive acts. He asserted that there were no “natural rights” as there was no voluntary arrangements between individuals. Hobbes argued for scarce resources that were governed by ruthless self-interest. There was also a constant fear of violent death. He noted that without formal authority, this would led to uncertainty and war.
Hobbes did not consider human nature to be wholly irrational, he believed that human nature would eventually contract and that individuals would render to a “sovereign state”, this would lead to a society where individuals could resort to society and progress.
Hobbes believed that the state would have to be autocratic, he did not believe that power should be dispersed.
the significance of localism and organicism?
localism- conservatives see society as a collection of localised communities, these provide inidividuals with security, status and inspiration. A key rejection that Burke had of the French Revolution was that it seemed to inaugurate a single, monolithic French society that would override local loyalties.
organicism- they believe that society emerges gradually, this is a key idea of conservative scepticism. They believe that humans have a complex forces beyond the scope of reason. Society is seen more like a plant.
what is the significance of empiricism and tradition?
empiricism- conservatives will be in empirical terms and this means that conservatives will deal with issues in a practical, evidential fashion. This is in contrast to the progressive state. Oaksehott claims that the conservative society simply wishes to “stay afloat”
tradition- tradition is key to the conservative state, they believe that change and reform must be slow not drastic.
what is the significance of hierarchy and judaeo- christian morality?
hierarchy- conservatives believes that the imperfections within society will lead to an unequal society, according to Burke that even in the smallest of communities there is likely to be a top-down structure. This is the idea of paternalism or noblesse oblige.
judaeo- christian morality-
There is a stronger attachment to religion in the conservative society. This seen with the importance being held on marriage and self-contained families.
what is the significance of property?
the view of property is linked to view that conservatives hold about tradition, this the view that property is something that can be inherited. This links to the idea of Burke that society is the link between the living, dead and not-born.
There is a link between property and the paternalism that conservatives support, this is because those who own property have a “duty of care”
New-right conservatives wish to not only preserve property but to extend it. This means that the views of the new-right are instinctive as there is the value of traditional liberty. The new-right believe that such traditional societies provide the security and discipline that individuals needs to flourish.
what is the significance of the order and authority and organic origins of the state?
order and authority- the main goal of the conservative state is to provide security and authority
like Hobbes, conservatives believe that without order there could be no liberty without order and the emergence of clear laws. This links to the conservative idea that he state precedes society.
organic origins- conservatives are sceptical about states that rise suddenly, they believe that such states will be based on ideals. They prefer a state that develops gradually. Conservatives are less likely to wants a codified constitution.
what is the significance of the ruling class and nation-state?
ruling class- for traditional conservatives especially, they believe in a state that is hierarchal. There is also a state that acknowledge the power of a ruling class.
Traditional conservatives were keen to signal the merits of a society
nation-state: conservatives have emphasis a state that is based on nationhood, with Germany/Italy there remains the idea that the nation precedes the state. British conservative strongly believe in the nation state.
For new right conservatives there is the aim to make it “leaner” and fitter in the process. Rand noted that when the “state become flabby it also becomes feeble”
