Conservatism definitions

Question 1

Pragmatism

Answer 1

The meaning of a proposition is to be found in the practical consequences of accepting it, and that unpractical ideas are to be rejected.

Question 2

Tradition

Answer 2

The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.

Question 3

Human imperfection

Answer 3

A belief amongst conservatives that humans are imperfect or flawed which makes them incapable or always making good decisions for themselves.

Question 4

Organic society

Answer 4

Organic society is based upon natural needs and instincts, rather than that of a new ideological blueprint conceived by political theorists.

Question 5

Hierachy

Answer 5

A system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to relative status or authority.

Question 6

Authority

Answer 6

The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Question 7

Paternalism

Answer 7

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)

Question 8

One nation conservatism

Answer 8

One Nation refers to an approach first adopted by the Conservative Party which believes the rich in society are obligated to support the poor.

Question 9

Noblesse oblige

Answer 9

Privilege entails responsibility.

Question 10

Libertarianism

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Neo-liberalism

Answer 11

Neoliberalism is contemporarily used to refer to market-oriented reform policies such as “eliminating price controls, deregulating capital markets, lowering trade barriers”

Question 12

Neo-conservatism

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Atomism

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Anti-permissiveness

Answer 14

A situation in which behaviour that some people might disapprove of is allowed (often by a change in the law)

Question 15

Laissez-faire

Answer 15

The policy of leaving things to take their own course, without interfering.

Question 16

New Right

Answer 16

New Right is a term for various right-wing political groups or policies in different countries during different periods.

Question 17

Traditional Conservatism human nature

Answer 17

Skeptical view – gap between aspiration and achievement. Dislike of the French revolution – overestimation of human potential.

Question 18

Traditional Conservatism state

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Traditional Conservatism society

Answer 19

Interventionist - ‘little platoons’ - hierarchal structure – paternalism – elites exercise power of the majority – organic society, place great store on continuity

Question 20

Traditional Conservatism economy

Answer 20

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

Question 21

New Right state

Answer 21

Atomitism - atomized individuals seeking self-determination. Skeptical about preferring meritocratic society rather than aristocratic

Question 21

New Right human nature

Answer 21

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

Question 22

New Right society

Answer 22

‘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

Question 23

New Right economy

Answer 23

Nozick zealously advocate free market economics where state functions are privatized and deregulated – where levels of tax did state spending are significantly down

Question 24

New Right and Traditional Conservatism human nature

Answer 24

Both agree on human imperfection – no trust in rationalism, flawed from birth

Question 25

New Right and Traditional Conservatism state

Answer 25

Small communities and local, society cannot exist without a state to regulate, mostly social hierarchal

Question 26

New Right and Traditional Conservatism society

Answer 26

Both maintain law and order – all believe a state is necessary

Question 27

New Right and Traditional Conservatism economy

Answer 27

Both believe in capitalism