Conservatism Key Terminology

Question 1

Hierarchy

Answer 1

a system in which members of an organisation or society are ranked according to relative status of authority

Question 2

Authority

Answer 2

the ability/power/right to give orders, make decisions and enforce compliance with those decision and laws

Question 3

Change to conserve

Answer 3

a core idea that argues society should adapt to changing circumstances rather than reject change outright and risk revolution or rebellion

Question 4

Atomism

Answer 4

the view that the main component of society is the individual and that these individuals are self-interest, equal and rational

Question 5

Noblesse Oblige

Answer 5

belief that those born of a high social status have a duty or responsibility to help those lelss fortunate within society

Question 6

Anti-permissiveness

Answer 6

permissiveness-situation where behaviour that some people may disapprove of is allowed
anti- a lack of change in the law or society to allow such behaviour

Question 7

Radical/Radicalism

Answer 7

the belief that there should be significant/extreme political/social change

Question 8

Human Imperfection

Answer 8

Human nature is imperfect and unchangeable- we are flawed creatures

Question 9

Laissez-faire

Answer 9

the policy of leaving things to take their own course “letting things go”
i.e minimal intervention by government in the affairs of individuals, businesses etc.

Question 10

Empiricism

Answer 10

an approach which claims that knowledge comes primarily from experience