Conservatism ideology Flashcards
The Enlightenment mid-17th century
Coincided with the English Civil War
Defined by a belief in reason rather than faith
Turning away from the assumption that a King/Queen had been put in place by God- decisions should be instinctively accepted
Origins
The period historians have termed ‘the Whig supremacy’
Early liberal politicians, such as those found in the Whig Party, were confident that the progressive principles embodied by England’s Glorious Revolution 1689 and America’s Declaration of Independence 1776 were intellectually unquestionable and politically irresistible.
Any critique of Enlightenment seemed rooted in outdated, theocratic thinking (divine right of kings)
The French Revolution
1789
Seemed to vindicate the optimistic spirit of Enlightenment.
The overthrow of the French monarchy
Rejection of the ‘irrational’ religious assumptions that went with it
Creation of a new Republic founded on liberty, equality, fraternity
All were greeted by European intellectuals, thrilled that a huge continental power was embracing the ideas of Enlightenment philosophers
The Terror
1792
Clear that revolutionary change and the ruthless imposition of ‘reason’ and other Enlightenment ideals could have shocking consequences.
The public beheading of King Louis XVI was accompanied by what became known as ‘The Terror’ – a period when thousands of ‘citizens’ were persecuted and executed in the name of progress.
Genocidal violence became the means of securing an ‘enlightened’ regime.
The savagery of the French Revolution paved the way for a new sort of political ideology – one that would respect the case for change while warning of its dangers.
Society core
Localism- a collection of communities rather than individuals.
Organicism- emerges gradually not forced, proof that human life is subject to complex forces beyond the scope of reason.
Empiricism- deal with society’s issues in a practical, evidence-based fashion
Tradition- provides security, history and experience
and stability.
Hierarchy- always be inequality, the top has a responsibility that comes with their power and authority
Judaeo-Christian Morality- ethical guideline for society, with a strong emphasis upon marriage, self-contained families and accountability.
Property- inherited from generation rather than acquired by autonomous individuals, gives a stake in society, New Right wished to extend property ownership
Human Nature- core
Inclined to restrain such optimism by stressing human fragility and fallibility
‘a philosophy of imperfection’
Deny any possibility of a perfect, utopian society comprising flawless and rational individuals
Pretty much fixed and constant, and it is the job of politicians to accommodate, not alter, this reality
Ruthlessly selfish, calculating and competitive
The economy- core
Capitalism tends to nurture and widen economic inequalities and sharpen the distinction between rich and poor.
Defends inequality and hierarchy
Burke was a huge ally of Adam Smith (father of laissez-faire economics)
Contradiction
Worships order, stability, and continuity but free-market capitalism promotes risk, innovation and gambles
The dynamic nature of capitalism might excite liberals-optimistic view of HN
However, it can be quite frightening for conservatives, given their more sceptical view of HN and their fear of radical change.
Traditional Conservatives economy
‘reluctant supporters’.
Any assault on capitalism is also an assault on property, inequality, hierarchy and the status quo.
Sceptical of the classical liberal belief that markets are at their most effective when left alone by gov
Supporting laissez-faire capitalism requires an optimistic view of market forces, and therefore is inconsistent with conservatism’s scepticism and pessimism
Thatcherism economy
Also, New Right conservatism in the UK.
Pursued a controversial mixture of neo-liberal policies: Privatisation and tax reduction.
Mixed with neo-conservatism policies: strengthened the police powers, curbed immigration and tax breaks for ‘traditional’ family structures.
New Right Conservatives’ economy
Influenced by neoliberal economists e.g. Friedman and Hayek
Generally had a more sympathetic view of free-market economies.
In the USA during the 1980s, free-market capitalism was often referred to as ‘Reaganomics’ because of the Republican administration of Ronald Reagan from 1980-88
The New Right govs of Thatcher from 1979-90 aimed to ‘free’ the UK economy through the privatisation of formerly state-owned industries.
The state-core
Order and authority- main goal, undisputed laws backed by firm authority for order allowing liberty, the state precedes society, independent rights depend upon law+order
Organic origins- sceptical of states formed from a rational discussion, based on ideals rather than reality, forms gradually, pragmatic response to human needs, don’t demand a codified constitution
A ruling class- happy with overtly hierarchal rule reflecting the elitist society, acknowledges a ruling class, born and trained to rule (paternalism), pragmatic response, avert social upheaval and revolution, stick to tradition
The nation-state- nationhood, a mega-community, Continental conservatives (Italy)- the nation preceded the state and are distinguishable, British and American are more intertwined- the state serves to define much of the nation itself hence the importance of constitutions, monarchs and presidents as expressions of identity.
Traditional Conservatism
Formed after the aftermath of the French Revolution 1789
Whig politician Burke offered the 1st philosophically coherent objection to what the French Revolution represented
Tories
William Pitt, George Canning and Robert Peel- essentially conservative in their political practice
‘Enlightened Tory’ Govs
Canning- prepared legislation that allowed Roman Catholics to participate in Parliament, championed the abolition of slavery
Peel- sought to harness the interests of the new merchant business classes in Britain’s traditional constitution and society, supported the Great Reform Act of 1832 ensuring representation at Westminster for the new industrial towns, and established the Met Police force in London whilst Home Secretary- led to the creation of similar forces throughout the country
The emergence of One Nation
Although the govs of Canning and Peel served to set, the effects of the French Revolution, the threat of disorder and revolution persisted throughout the 19th century- fuelled by louder demands for greater democracy (and less aristocracy)
