Conservatism

Question 1

Conservative views on human nature

Answer 1

• Views human nature negatively and are keen to highlight imperfections
• Hobbes and Burke are both ‘cynical’ and ‘sceptical’ of human nature (traditional conservatism)
• One nation conservatives like Oakeshott also believed in human imperfection

Question 2

Conservative views on society

Answer 2

• Hobbes believed society was ‘nasty, brutish and short’.
• Burke believed that communities (such as families) are essential to society, belief in hierarchy and the idea of a ‘natural ruling class’. However, higher people in the hierarchy have a duty of care for the people below them. (noblesse oblige)

Question 3

Conservative views on the state

Answer 3

• Hobbes believed that the state’s main function is to maintain security, safety and stability.
• Burke believed in a aristocratic/ruling class structure

Question 4

Conservative views on the economy

Answer 4

• All strands of Conservatism support capitalism

- New Right thinkers such as Ayn Rand believed in laissez faire economics and Nozick believed in a minimalist state.

Question 5

What is pragmatism?

Answer 5

• Pragmatism rejects ideology and theory in favour of decisions made on the basis of practical experience and ‘what works’.

Question 6

Traditional and one nation views on pragmatism

Answer 6

• Traditional conservatives such as Burke are in favour of cautious pragmatism, which enables a society to adapt to changing circumstances by introducing moderate reforms.
• One Nation conservatives adopt a pragmatic ‘middle way’ economic policy that combines market competition with government regulation.

Question 7

What is paternalism?

Answer 7

• Where the most advantaged (in terms of financial rewards or status) have the greatest social responsibilities.
• E.g managers are paid more than their workers but they are obliged to protect the jobs and economic well being of the workforce.

Question 8

What is Libertarianism?

Answer 8

• Also known as neo-liberalism
• It advocates: individual liberty, maximum economic freedom and minimal government or state regulation
• Rejects the idea of paternalism
• Key libertarian thinkers include: Friedrich von Hayek, Ayn Rand and Robert Nozick.

Question 9

What is the national aristocracy?

Answer 9

• Traditional Conservatism idea
• These are the people with the ability, experience and inclination to lead the nation wisely in the interest of the whole society.
• Burke thought this small governing elite would be largely drawn from the hereditary aristocracy.

Question 10

One Nation conservatism

Answer 10

• Used Keynesian economics
• Reforms such as housing and voting rights to create an alliance between the ruling and working class and to help the poorest in society.
• Big belief in paternalism and the idea that the privileged have a duty to look after the poor

Question 11

Neo-conservatism: key principles

Answer 11

• Social order
• Traditional values
• Public morality