Conservatism definitions Flashcards
Pragmatism
The meaning of a proposition is to be found in the practical consequences of accepting it, and that unpractical ideas are to be rejected.
Tradition
The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.
Human imperfection
A belief amongst conservatives that humans are imperfect or flawed which makes them incapable or always making good decisions for themselves.
Organic society
Organic society is based upon natural needs and instincts, rather than that of a new ideological blueprint conceived by political theorists.
Hierachy
A system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to relative status or authority.
Authority
The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Paternalism
Paternalism is an approach to running the country in which members of the elite seek to govern in the best interests of the people. Paternalism is therefore closely associated with the concept of noblesse oblige (i.e. people with status have a responsibility to others, or, with privilege comes responsibility)
One nation conservatism
One Nation refers to an approach first adopted by the Conservative Party which believes the rich in society are obligated to support the poor.
Noblesse oblige
Privilege entails responsibility.
Libertarianism
A political philosophy that upholds liberty as a core value. Libertarians seek to maximize autonomy and political freedom, emphasizing equality before the law and civil rights
Neo-liberalism
Neoliberalism is contemporarily used to refer to market-oriented reform policies such as “eliminating price controls, deregulating capital markets, lowering trade barriers”
Neo-conservatism
Neo-Conservatives are principally concerned with the fear of social fragmentation, tough on law and order and public morality.
Neo-conservatives are primarily focused upon questions of morality and the need for social order. They adopt a more authoritarian perspective than neo-liberals within the Tory Party.
Atomism
The view that the main component of society is the individual (i.e. the ‘atom’), and that these individuals are self-interested, equal and rational.
Anti-permissiveness
A situation in which behaviour that some people might disapprove of is allowed (often by a change in the law)
Laissez-faire
The policy of leaving things to take their own course, without interfering.
New Right
New Right is a term for various right-wing political groups or policies in different countries during different periods.
Traditional Conservatism human nature
Skeptical view – gap between aspiration and achievement. Dislike of the French revolution – overestimation of human potential.
Traditional Conservatism state
Political power given to those ‘born to rule’ (like Burke). There is a natural ruling class – with duty and sacrifice and responsibility (paternalism) Pragmatic about the extent of the atate and prepared to enlarge it
Traditional Conservatism society
Interventionist - ‘little platoons’ - hierarchal structure – paternalism – elites exercise power of the majority – organic society, place great store on continuity
Traditional Conservatism economy
Protectionist, defends the economy based on private ownership, sceptical of free market capitalism because it is fearful its dynamic effects exacerbate inequality, ‘threatening one nation’ and fuel support for socialism
New Right state
Atomitism - atomized individuals seeking self-determination. Skeptical about preferring meritocratic society rather than aristocratic
New Right human nature
More optimistic, possibilities of humans with initiative and liberty. Nozick and Rand believe that there is newer to what individuals can achieve in the economic sphere – pro capitalist
New Right society
‘Roll back the frontiers of the state’ to advance individual freedom and reverse dependency culture. Hostile to the principle to aristocratic rule – ruling classes have too much stake in the status quota and reluctant to admit need for radical change
New Right economy
Nozick zealously advocate free market economics where state functions are privatized and deregulated – where levels of tax did state spending are significantly down
New Right and Traditional Conservatism human nature
Both agree on human imperfection – no trust in rationalism, flawed from birth
New Right and Traditional Conservatism state
Small communities and local, society cannot exist without a state to regulate, mostly social hierarchal
New Right and Traditional Conservatism society
Both maintain law and order – all believe a state is necessary
New Right and Traditional Conservatism economy
Both believe in capitalism
