conservatism core ideas Flashcards
human nature
imperfection, compromising flawless and rational individuals
fixed and constant and the job of politicians is to accommodate to this reality
crime is the product of moral imperfection
order fulfils psychological needs
Hobbes view on human nature
human nature is ruthlessly selfish and competitive
without authority humans would be marked by envy and war
burke view on human nature
rejects the idea humans are guided by reason
stressed custom and habit is how humans should base their behaviour
didn’t think they were as selfish as Hobbes expresses
capable of altruism
burke and Hobbes agreements on human nature
both exhibited scepticism in their view
ridiculed any idea that human nature was saintly
Oakeshott on human nature
life without law would be would be flawed
human nature if fragile
benevolent when framed by routine
Nozick and rand on Hunan nature
highlight human natures yearn for individual freedom, innovation and enterprise
new right and traditional agreement on human nature
even the most enterprising individuals were still freedom loving people who need the periodic restraint of formal authority
organicism
society can not be contained or created and emerges gradually
human life is subject to complex forces
tradition
customs and habits provided security in an uncertain world
change and reform must be slow/gradual
burke- society is shaped by divine law
hierarcy
imperfections of humanity inevitably lead to an unfair society
society evolved a natural order
society is inevitable inequality
burke on hierarchy
wiser and strong naturally gain privilege and power
even the smallest little platoons will have a top down structure
privilege comes with responsibility (paternalism)
property
to be inherited as this provides stability
burke- ideal paternsip between those living, dead and born
maintenance of property reflects maintenance of society/ conservation
property ownership provides a platform for property owners to exercise duty and maintain society
new right on property
wish to extend property ownership and create a democracy through society
those who own are generally better places to resist state led incursions upon their liberty
new right on society
emphasis on individual liberty
individualism is best under a hierarchal and traditional society
this provides security and discipline
new right conservatism
neo liberal and Neo conservative ideas
economically libertarian and socially authoritarian
E.G THATCHER
