Conservatism basics and principles Flashcards
what is the main aim of conservatism
social stability and continuity
what are the key principles of conservatism
- Tradition
- Pragmatism
- Human Imperfection
- Organic society and hierarchy
- Paternalism
- Libertarianism
Tradition
The institutions and practices of a society that have developed over time are worth protecting because traditions provide the accumulated wisdom of previous generations. Future generations should be able to benefit from them, traditions provide stability, without them there would be instability and insecurity
pragmatism
this is the idea that change should be gradual and based on practical experiences of what works, not rigidly following abract theories and ideals that may do more harm than good.
what is pragmatism a direct reaction against
the revolutionary change of the french revolution
what do conservatives reject and why - society
Conservatives reject radical abstract ‘experimental’ ideas of how to drastically improve society as dangerous as they risk destroying what is good, and actually lead to worse conditions.
do conservatives reject change completely
no
what do they suggest that decisions should be based on
they simply suggest decisions have to be based on the basis of what works, not abstract untried ideas.
what approach to change do conservatives prefer
conservatives prefer slow, gradual change –
evolution, not revolution
why do conservatives suggest that change is necessary
they feel that the state should adapt to ‘naturally’ changing circumstances to survive and protect it and avoid a revolution.
what are the two opposing sides of pragmatism
On the one hand pragmatism means rejecting radical, experimental changes; on the other hand it implies a flexibility to adapt, to make smaller, unavoidable, manageable, changes.
what view of human nature do conservatives take
A pessimistic view of human nature
what do conservatives think of humans
humans are flawed and cannot reach a state of perfection, if humans are not kept in check, they will turn to evil actions as people are naturally competitive and self- interested.
what are the consequences of the conservative view of humans as flawed beings
- Strict law and order is required to avoid criminal behaviour. Criminals are (as flawed human beings) evil, and this evil can only be stopped with strict punishment. Being soft on criminals needs to be avoided.
- Link with pragmatism – people are not intellectually capable of designing the perfect society, which means we should not aim for a perfect society, but prefer slow, gradual changes based on the tried and tested.
- As people are naturally self-interested (selfish even), competition is a stronger motivator than altruism.
organic society
the idea that People are part of a cohesive community in which people have a specific role, and where people depend on each other. Just like the humans body, as long as every one has a role, accepts it and performs it, society will work harmoniously.
what is the opposite of organic society
atomism
what are the consequences of the conservative view of organic society
- Conservatives reject atomism, where society is made up of self-sufficient, independent individuals; they prefer a cohesive community where people accept duties and responsibilities towards each other based on ‘natural’/organic bonds between them (e.g. family, local community) over duties ‘forced’ onto people by an ‘impersonal’ state.
- Like the human body, the relationships between different parts have a delicate balance and should not be disturbed. This means everyone should stick to their ‘natural’ given role.
- These roles are hierarchical – society has ‘natural’ ranks, classes and inequalities. Individuals vary in terms of talent and skills. This means an acceptance of hierarchy and inequality as natural and important.
- Authority maintains this structure –the authority of natural leaders is important; it should be respected, not challenged. People need moral guidance.
paternalism
The belief is that government should be run by natural leaders, who have a duty to look after those less well-off. It is the idea that the relationship between the government and citizens is like that between a father and his children
elements of paternalism - or why paternalism
- Some people are better equipped to be leaders, because of natural intelligence, education and inheritance. There are ‘natural leaders’ who should run the government and we should accept their authority and leadership. Just like a father’s authority should not be challenged.
- Those in authority should provide ‘moral guidance’ – we should follow their ideas values and behaviour, just like a father would teach their children the difference between right and wrong.
- Noblesse oblige - those that are better off have a duty to look after those who are less well off. This includes a government that looks after the disavantaged
does paternalism mean conservatives aim to create equality
no
which strand of conservatism is paternalism most closely associated with
One nation conservatives
libertarianism
This is the idea that social and economic issues should be free from government regulation
what strand of conservatism is libertarianism closely associated with
neo liberals
what type of economy do conservatives prefer
An economy ran by private enterpise rather than the state
what does a free market mean for the state
This requires a ‘small government’ –
Minimal state regulation
Low taxes
Minimal public services
on what grounds do neo libs justify small government on
moral grounds
what are the moral grounds that neo libs use to justify small government
- A free market economy is more efficient and will bring prosperity to all – ‘trickle down economics’
- State welfare programmes create a ‘dependency culture’ – people become reliant, reducing personal responsibility and initiative
- (High) taxation undermines property rights – this idea is based on an extreme form of individualism – individuals do not owe each other anything.