Conservatism GOR LATET Flashcards
Conservative
One who is averse to change and holds trad values.
Pragmatism
• Edmund Burke (1729-97), Michael Oakeshott (1901-90).
• Rejection of ideology, favours practical experience.
• ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
• Humans lack the intellectual capacity to understand complex theories, so leaders need to emphasise caution, moderation and continuity.
• Traditional and One Nation Conservatives emphasise evolution of society over time, rather than radical change – chaos.
• Law and order, property, tradition and established institutions.
• Change is sometimes needed, but only to conserve.
Tradition
• Originally had religious roots.
• Institutions, customs and practices of the past (monarchy, constitution, family, marriage) have been the building blocks of society and should be passed down to our children.
• Burke - Each generation has a duty to pass these traditions on to the next.
• Destroying traditional institutions can lead to tyrannical regimes – Soviet
Russia, French Revolution.
• 2/3’s of Tories voted against same-sex marriage in the House of Commons.
• ‘Cornerstone Group’ within the Conservative Party promotes traditional Christian values.
• Social cohesion, security and certainty.
Human imperfection and danger of atomism
• Humans are flawed, psychologically, morally and intellectually. They have the capacity to do evil, therefore, must be kept in check.
• Human nature is immutable (remains constant).
• We therefore need:
- Tough stance on law and order.
- National security more important than international cooperation and harmony.
- A political system that recognises self- interest is a more powerful motivator than altruism.
Atomism says society is made up of self-interested individuals (egoistical individualism).
• This can also explain social breakdown and isolation
Three aspects of human imperfection
Psychological
Moral
Intellectual
Psych aspect of human imperfection
As limited and dependent beings, humans desire familiarity, safety and the security of knowing their place in society. Consequently, people need social order rather than liberty. An ordered society provides security, predictability and stability. Liberty brings choice, change and uncertainty.
Moral aspect of human imperfection
As naturally selfish beings, humans are morally imperfect. Thus, human nature accounts for antisocial or criminal behaviour, not social or economic deprivation.
A tough law-and-order system that punishes such conduct is the only deterrent capable of tackling human moral imperfection.
Intellectual aspect of human imperfection
Humans lack the intellect and powers of reasoning to understand a complex world. Conservatives therefore reject theories or ideologies that claim to explain or predict the development of human society. Instead, humans should be pragmatic and rely on history, tradition and practical experience to understand their place in the world.
Organic society or state
• Society is like a living organism.
• All its parts must work together in order to ensure its ‘health’.
• Stability is maintained when the balance between different elements of a society are maintained.
• The careful balance of interacting elements within a society can maintain things like affection, security and concern.
• These are more important than political theory or ideology.
• Greater responsibilities for those in authority.
• Hierarchy and authority are key.
Organic society or state
• Society is like a living organism.
• All its parts must work together in order to ensure its ‘health’.
• Stability is maintained when the balance between different elements of a society are maintained.
• The careful balance of interacting elements within a society can maintain things like affection, security and concern.
• These are more important than political theory or ideology.
• Greater responsibilities for those in authority.
• Hierarchy and authority are key.
Paternalism
Those in authority (the elites) have a duty of care to the ‘lower orders’ – ‘noblesse oblige’.
• ‘soft’ paternalism – where the recipients willingly accept this situation.
• ‘hard’ paternalism – where this is imposed in an authoritarian manner.
• Benjamin Disraeli – 19th C. society was dividing into rich and poor. In order for the elites to preserve their privileges, they had a social obligation to improve the lives of the poor. ‘One Nation paternalism’. This would reduce the risk of revolution.
Neo-liberals reject paternalism. • The freer the state, the freer the
people.
• Paternalism when imposed stifles individual initiative and increases dependency.
• Leads to economic stagnation.
Libertarianism
Uphold liberty as a core principle.
• Libertarian conservatism is also referred as the Neo-liberal New Right.
• Seeks to maximize political freedom and autonomy, emphasizing freedom of choice, voluntary association, individual judgment and self-ownership.
• Suspicious of authority and state power.
• Restricts the power of the state.
• Advocates laissez-faire capitalism and strong private property rights, such as in land, infrastructure and natural resources.
• Total free market with no state intervention, regulation or tariffs.
Core principles
Pragmatism
Tradition
Human imperfection
Organic society
Paternalism
Libertarianism
