Conservatism

Question 1

Name three types of conservatism

Answer 1

Traditional, One Nation, New Right

Question 2

Name 6 core ideas and principles of conservatism

Answer 2

1. PRAGMATISM
2. TRADITION
3. HUMAN IMPERFECTION- moral, psychological and intellectual imperfection means humans cannot make decisions for themselves
4. ORGANIC SOCIETY/STATE- the group is more important than an individual, therefore inequality is necessary. A hierarchical society forms naturally and people accept their responsibility in that society. (resembles an organism)
5. PATERNALISM- the state must govern in the interests of people
6. LIBERTARIANISM- autonomy and free choice

Question 3

Explain Hobbes’ view on human nature

Answer 3

Humans are needy and vulnerable
‘State of nature’ would lead to violence i humans were equal and free
Fearful, self-interested and rational individuals sacrifice freedom for order

Question 4

Explain Hobbes’ view on the state

Answer 4

Strong gov authority prevents natural violence

Social contract between people establishes a sovereign authority which can determine rights

Question 5

Explain Hobbes’ view on society

Answer 5

Natural competition and desire for power to p[roptect oneself
Individuals accept society for stability, safety and order

Question 6

Explain Burke’s view on human nature

Answer 6

Naturally communal due to imperfections

Humans aren’t destructive (unlike Hobbes’ suggestion)

Question 7

Explain Burke’s view on the state

Answer 7

Gentle change preserves social harmony and polticidal stability
Preserve tested wisdoms
Resembles an organism- necessary inequality
State should not have role in business or distribution of wealth

Question 8

Explain Burke’s view on society

Answer 8

Organic society
Criticised the French Revolution for being based off abstract principles eg equality not empiricism and tradition
Tradition promotes social continuity and cohesion

Question 9

Explain Oakeshott’s view on human nature

Answer 9

Imperfect and unable to rationally understand society

Question 10

Explain Oakeshott’s view on the state

Answer 10

Pragmatism over ideology
Ideology over simplifies complex issues
Acting on ‘authority of own reason’ rather than practical experience is dangerous and wrong

Question 11

Explain Oakeshott’s view on society

Answer 11

Unpredictable and complex
Cannot be understood through abstract theories
Rational attempts to understand society distort and simplifies facts

Question 12

Explain Ayn Rand’s view on human nature

Answer 12

Rejects human imperfection
Own happiness should be highest moral aim
Rational self-interest is moral
Condemns personal altruism as it creates an artificial sense of obligation

Question 13

Explain Rand’s view on the state

Answer 13

Objectivism, rational self interest

Reject gov intervention, welfare and wealth redistribution, as it relies on the implicit threat of force

Question 14

Explain Rand’s views on society

Answer 14

Attempts to control individuals corrupts an individuals capacity to work
Atomistic
Condemns altruism
Against collectivism

Question 15

Explain Rand’s views on the economy

Answer 15

Laissez-faire capitalism to uphold individual freedom
No aggression principle
Free market for an unrestricted expression of human rationality

Question 16

Explain Nozick’s view on human nature

Answer 16

Rational, self-aware, have free will (Kantian)
Individuals are inviolable ends to themselves
Self-ownership
Undergo some pain to prevent further suffering

Question 17

Explain Nozick’s view on the state

Answer 17

Minimal, nightwatchman 
Forced taxes for welfare are immoral 
Minarchist 
Protect human rights 
Paternalism is wrong

Question 18

Explain Nozick’s view on society

Answer 18

Society should be treated as individuals

Individuals shouldn’t be treated as a thing or resource

Question 19

Explain Nozick’s view on the economy

Answer 19

Against redistribution of wealth through taxes and the welfare state
Supports redistribution through charity as it upholds freedom

Question 20

Explain Traditional con. views on human nature

Answer 20

BURKE, OAKESHOTT
Sceptical and pessimistic
Humans can’t achieve grand objectives due to selfishness (B) or imperfection (Hobbes)
Utopian ideologies and revolutions flawed

Question 21

Explain New right/ modern con views on human nature

Answer 21

NOZICK, RAND
Optimistic 
Economic success for individuals 
Capitalism encourages individual effort and success
Human desire for self-fulfilment

Question 22

Explain Trad. con. views on society

Answer 22

BURKE
Collection of small communities overseen by paternalistic elite
Tradition and continuity key in organic development of communities
Elite hold inherited power

Question 23

Explain Modern/ NR con. views on society

Answer 23

RAND
Question existence of society
Collection of individuals
Less paternalistic, society defines by achievement not inheritance

Question 24

Explain Trad con views on the state

Answer 24

BURKE, HOBBES, OAKESHOTT
Born to rule
Ruling class elite have responsibility
Prefer small state but accept extension for stability and protection

Question 25

Explain Modern/ New Right con views on the economy

Answer 25

HOBBES, BURKE,
Pro private ownership, accept some state intervention
Free market exacerbates inequality will lead to socialism
Capitalism could erode identities and culture
May support Keynsian economics

Question 26

Explain Modern/ NR con views on economy

Answer 26

RAND, NOZICK
Only free market capitalism
State shouldn’t be involved in the economy
Taxation and state spending should be minimal (on security and defence instead)
Private businesses will lead to greater prosperity for all and greater progression