Conservatism

Question 1

1. What is the conservative view on human nature (in detail)
2. What other ideology does it contrast with
3. How do conservatives want to tackle it

Answer 1

• pessimistic view as humans are greed and selfish
• humans desire power after power
• human rationality is unreliable

-strict law and order is the best deterrent to control naturally corrupt humans

• contrast with liberal view of humans as rational beings
• contrast with anarchists optimistic view of human nature

Question 2

1. Distinguish between the neoliberal and neoconservative view of property
2. Contrast conservative view of property with another ideology

Answer 2

Neoliberals - property is a reflection of merit and an assertion of wealth thus making property an economic incentive

Neoconservatives - property gives people a stake in society encouraging them to respect others’ property. It also maintains tradition.

Contrast with socialist goal of common ownership

Question 3

Why do authoritarian conservatives promote tradition

Answer 3

They want to restore absolute monarchy to the monarch because it is believed they are descendants of Adam and Eve

Values are god given so tradition maintains this

Oppose radical change so de maistre was critical of the French Revolution

Question 4

What were the main ideas of One nationism and a key thinker and how do they view the themes

Answer 4

Disraeli: He wanted to get rid of the two nations (rich and poor) and make Britain ONE NATION so that there is no proletariat revolution

It is the duty of the rich to look after the poor
Reduce the divisions to make one nation

Tradition - creates bonds in society and maintains social order

Organic society - each section of society must work together harmoniously

Hierarchy/authority - accept your place in society and contribute at whatever level. Aware of class divisions but avoid class conflict

Question 5

Outline Libertarian conservatism and its views on the themes

Answer 5

Combination of libertarian politics and Conservative values; liberal economic‘s and Conservative social philosophy

Promotion of negative freedom

Seek to maximise the realm of individual freedom

Property – an important right of the individual that allows for people to act freely without government intervention

Hierarchy and authority – strong belief in defending law and order above individual liberty; contrast with liberalism to promote the primacy of the individual

Tradition – capitalist freemarket must be defended on the grounds of tradition just like the monarchy and the church

Human imperfection – individuals are self seeking, it takes a pessimistic approach to human nature

Question 6

What are some Neo liberal values with a thinker

Answer 6

Re-statement of case for minimal state
Faith place on the individual and e market
Privatisation

Hayek - Criticised a managed economy and economic intervention in general regarding it as totalitarian

Question 7

What are some neo Conservative values

Answer 7

Hierarchy is established through a respect for authority within family
Euroscepticism
Nationwide patriotism
Roots in tradition and organic society
Strong Law and order
Opposition of permissiveness (having your own moral values)

Thatcher - promoted tradition and patriotism to prevent permissiveness