Conservatism basics and principles

Question 1

what is the main aim of conservatism

Answer 1

social stability and continuity

Question 2

what are the key principles of conservatism

Answer 2

1. Tradition
2. Pragmatism
3. Human Imperfection
4. Organic society and hierarchy
5. Paternalism
6. Libertarianism

Question 3

Tradition

Answer 3

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

Question 4

pragmatism

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

what is pragmatism a direct reaction against

Answer 5

the revolutionary change of the french revolution

Question 6

what do conservatives reject and why - society

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

do conservatives reject change completely

Answer 7

no

Question 8

what do they suggest that decisions should be based on

Answer 8

they simply suggest decisions have to be based on the basis of what works, not abstract untried ideas.

Question 9

what approach to change do conservatives prefer

Answer 9

conservatives prefer slow, gradual change –
evolution, not revolution

Question 10

why do conservatives suggest that change is necessary

Answer 10

they feel that the state should adapt to ‘naturally’ changing circumstances to survive and protect it and avoid a revolution.

Question 11

what are the two opposing sides of pragmatism

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

what view of human nature do conservatives take

Answer 12

A pessimistic view of human nature

Question 13

what do conservatives think of humans

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

what are the consequences of the conservative view of humans as flawed beings

Answer 14

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. As people are naturally self-interested (selfish even), competition is a stronger motivator than altruism.

Question 15

organic society

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

what is the opposite of organic society

Answer 16

atomism

Question 17

what are the consequences of the conservative view of organic society

Answer 17

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Authority maintains this structure –the authority of natural leaders is important; it should be respected, not challenged. People need moral guidance.

Question 18

paternalism

Answer 18

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

Question 19

elements of paternalism - or why paternalism

Answer 19

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Question 20

does paternalism mean conservatives aim to create equality

Answer 20

no

Question 21

which strand of conservatism is paternalism most closely associated with

Answer 21

One nation conservatives

Question 22

libertarianism

Answer 22

This is the idea that social and economic issues should be free from government regulation

Question 23

what strand of conservatism is libertarianism closely associated with

Answer 23

neo liberals

Question 24

what type of economy do conservatives prefer

Answer 24

An economy ran by private enterpise rather than the state

Question 25

what does a free market mean for the state

Answer 25

This requires a ‘small government’ –
Minimal state regulation
Low taxes
Minimal public services

Question 26

on what grounds do neo libs justify small government on

Answer 26

moral grounds

Question 27

what are the moral grounds that neo libs use to justify small government

Answer 27

1. A free market economy is more efficient and will bring prosperity to all – ‘trickle down economics’
2. State welfare programmes create a ‘dependency culture’ – people become reliant, reducing personal responsibility and initiative
3. (High) taxation undermines property rights – this idea is based on an extreme form of individualism – individuals do not owe each other anything.