conservatism mine Flashcards
edmund burke quote
‘a state without the means of change is without the means of its conservation’
Russel Kirk’s 10 Conservative Principles
- existence of an enduring moral order eg justicem honour will be a good society but ignorance of norms and gratification of appetites would be bad
- imperfectability
-
custom, convention, continuity
favour continuity and organic social development over radical change -
freedom and property
private property rights are essential to personal liberties -
constitutional restraints upon
government power and societal restrictions on humans. -
prudence
emphasis on careful consideration and gradual implementation of policies.
human imperfection
human nature is inherently flawed and cannot be perfected. this imperfection necessitates social order, traditional values and gradual change rather than radicalism
empiricism
favours practical experience and historical precedent over abstract theories.
normative + judeo-christian morality
refers to the conservative emphasis on established moral and social norms. enduring moral order and importance of societal standards
hierarchy
natural and necessary existence of social orders and classes within society. social stratification is inevitable and beneficial for societal stability
authority
respect for established institutions, traditional leadership and the rule of law. importance of strong, legitimate authority to maintain social order.
laissez-faire
assoc with classical liberalism but adopted by some conservatives esp in the New Right. minimal government intervention in economic affairs
thatcherism definition
new right/thatcherism that emerged in the UK. combines tradtiional conservative values with free-market economic policies.
individual responsibility, reduced state intervention and strong national defence
localism
acknowledge the existence of society (unlike some liberals) they see it as a collection of localised communities eg Burke’s “little platoons”
communities provide individuals with security and status and stop selfish individualism (classical liberalism)
organicism
society cannot be artificially created but emerges gradually and unplanned.
Hobbes book and general ideas
Leviathan
skeptical on human nature; “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”
no natural rights, society did not exist without there being a state
the formal authority (state) needed to define right and wrong otherwise there would be “natural chaos”
people would seek a contract wiht the state, sovereignty in exchange for order and security.
the state to have autocratic power and not divided.
in order to function, the economy requires order that the strong state would provide
Edmund burke book and ideas
Reflections on the Revolution in France. he is Father of Conservatism
human imperfecion, gap between what people wanted and what they coudl achieve
organicism - traditions = root
empiricism - look realistically not ideally
localism - “little platoons”, self-regulating
dismissed the equality sought for in the french revolution and it was the failure of the french aristocracy to act in the interests of poor to avoid revolution.
economically aligned with adam smith and free-market economics.
michael oakeshott book and ideas
On Being Conservative
human nature “fallible not terrible”. incapable of a perfect society but decent life
optimism that humanity woudl appreciate good things, not be frustrated at imperfections.
localism, empiricism
state’s purpose is to prevent bad = negative freedom.
one nation conservative and criticised by new right who said people have more control to shape destiny and government shape a country
economically that free markets needed to be moderated by the state as they were volatile
Ayn Rand book and ideas
The Virtue of Selfishness
woman
human nature and society - “objectivism” = people were guided by self-interest. society in terms of “atomism” = collection of individuals so society is not an entity.
rolling back the state and tax cuts. small strong state seeing need for law and order. toeing line of anarchism
libertarian economically and on social issues (abortion, euthanasia).
Robert Nozick
NEW RIGHT
Anarchy, State and Utopia
positive view of human nature - individuals strive to reach their full potential.
growth of the state as a threat to individualism and that welfare state = dependency culture.
libertarian = state should leave people alone economically and social issues
minarchist state - outsource public services “tax for the most part is theft” but some formal authority is needed.
society pre-dated the state. self-sufficient communities will arise, may not conform to christian-conservative values
conservatives on human nature
- human beings are limited in capacity and morally imperfect. human frailty and fallibility
Burke - based on original sin and “there is a great chasm between our desire and achievement” - people are naturally inclined towards selfishness and greed.
Hobbes quote “brutish”
Burke also believed in human kindness and the idea of community - human nature is immutable, imperfectable
- this imperfection necessitates strong social order and traditional values
Oakeshott saw human nature as reflecting a ‘preference for what is known and an innate fear of the uncertain’ he also sae it as benign and benevolent with a need for routine, familiarity, and religious principles.
Nozick and Rand theorised individuals’ need for freedom and the capacity for enterprise and innovation.
conservatives on society
- Organic - a living entity that passes core values through generations.
- Naturally hierarchical, with social orders and classes being inevitable and beneficial for stability.
They see society as a hierarchy in which the wiser and stronger will be natural leaders with power and privilege. However, they also believe this is tempered with responsibility - paternalism or noblesse oblige - Formed by principles of tradition, authority, and morality. Best served by gradual, pragmatic changes rather than radical reforms
Strong link to Judaeo-Christian morality as a guide in society. Eg the importance of marriage and accountability for one’s actions. They dispute the idea that dysfunctional individuals are the product of dysfunctional societies.
conservatives on state
- strong state to provide law and order, and national defence.
- Support for constitutional limitations on government power.
however dont favour a codified constitution as it hinders gradual evolution of society (liberals want codification) - state as a unifying force to promote national cohesion.
state should legislate whenever there is a need for new laws to ensure order and social cohesion to avoid upheaval and revolution - Skepticism towards large-scale state intervention, especially in economic matters (particularly among New Right conservatives) as well as supra-national organisations as they undermine the sovereignty of a state
conservatives on economy
- Support for free markets and individual enterprise.
- The idea that property ownership gives people a stake in society, promoting stability.
- Skepticism towards extensive state intervention in the economy, though One Nation conservatives may support some intervention to avoid social upheaval.
- The New Right, particularly neoliberals, strongly favour laissez-faire economic policies
summary on terms for society
- localism
- organicism
- empiricism
- tradition
- hierarchy
- judeo-christian morality
- property
oakshott analogy on tradition
observes that a plant’s new leaves are dependent on its roots
burke’s quote on localism
“little platoons”
burke on property
“partnership between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are yet to be born”
new right on property
develop, wishing not just to preserve but to extend property ownership in society => creating a “property owning democracy”
christian democracy
similar to traditional conservatism
+judeo-christian morality as a force binding society
+ authority and hierarchy based on roman catholic church
+ scepticism towards free market economics and like paternalism due to roman catholic communal duties.
+ committment to social conservatism and emphasis on family life
= rooted in traditional conservatism but impacted by fascism’s impact on europe and revolutions.
- more wary of nationalism and thought supra-nationalism was good
neo-conservatives v neo-liberals
- Neo-libs wish to ‘roll back the frontiers of the state’ (eg Thatcher privatisation) /but neo-cons wish to roll the frontiers of the state forward (eg Thatcher governments’ restrictions upon trade unions and local authorities)
- neo libs want to advance individual liberties (eg thatcher government commitment to income tax cuts). /Neo - cons are prepared to restrict it (eg Thatcher extension of police stop and search powers
- Neo libs relaxed about immigration (Rand saw it as a side effect of free markets and individual choice). /Neo-cons more wary of immigration (eg Thatcher’s fear that immigration in the 60s had ‘swamped’ traditional communities and British culture)
- Neo libs keen to minimise government spending (in pursuit of Nozick called the ‘minarchist state’). /Neo-cons prepared to increase it to strengthen the nation’s profile (thatcher’s decision to increase spending to upgrade the UK’s nuclear deterrent
disagreement in human nature
- Traditional conservatives (Hobbes) believe humans need a strong authority to control their instincts.
- One-nation conservatives believe human imperfection requires gradual reform.
- New Right/libertarians (Nozick) are more optimistic, seeing individuals as capable of rationality and self-reliance.
disagreement on the state
Traditional conservatives (Hobbes absolute state, VBurke limited organic state) favour a strong state to impose order.
- One-nation conservatives support state intervention to address social inequalities. (disraeli paternalism)
- New Right conservatives (Thatcher, Nozick) favor minimal state intervention, especially in the economy.
disagreement society
- Traditional conservatives see society as a natural hierarchy based on duty and responsibility.
- One-nation conservatives advocate for a more inclusive society, emphasizing paternalism. social reform to bridge divides
- New Right thinkers stress individualism over the collective, favouring a meritocratic society. more on individualism and oppose collective social engineering
disagreements on the economy
- Traditional and one-nation conservatives accept some state intervention to manage capitalism and address social inequality.
Hobbes and burke accept some regulation
One-nation conservatives (Disraeli) favour state regulation and welfare to reduce social inequality. - New Right/libertarians promote free-market capitalism and minimal government intervention. laissez-faire, reduce welfare, self-reliance. oppose rest of conservatives
agreements // general on human nature
Pessimistic view: humans are inherently flawed, selfish, and imperfect.
- Desire for security and stability.
agreements // general on state
- Essential for maintaining order and authority.
- The state’s role is to protect property, maintain law and order, and provide security.
- Incremental change is favoured over radical reform.
agreements // general on society
- Society is an organic, hierarchical structure with natural inequalities.
- Tradition, customs, and social institutions are essential for maintaining stability.
- Social order is prioritized over radical change.
agreements // general on economy
- Private property is essential for individual freedom and social stability.
- Support for capitalism, but with some regulation depending on the strand of conservatism.
- Economic inequality is natural.
How did Thatcher subscribe to neo-liberal views on government intervention?
She privatised gas, electricity, water and telecomes.
What did Thatcher think that growing unemployment in the 1970s was due to, and why?
Too much state intervention.
Overprotecting failing industries
Allowing inflation in prices and wages.
What did Thatcher do with coal mines?
She sanctioned the closure of many uneconomic nationalised mines.
What happened after Thatcher sanctioned the closure of many coal mines?
The largest workers strike since before the war took place.
The government won the strike and the coal industry was privatised.
She restored market forces as it was irrational for the state to keep a failing industry afloat.
How did Thatcher inject market force elements into the NHS and education?
She introduced leage tables and target setting to increase competition in nationalised industries.
To what extent to Conservatives agree on the state’s role in the economy? (Agree)
- It is the role of the state to defend economic contracts and private property.
- Defend capitalism and the free market.
- Private property is vitally important as it provides psychological security for individuals within society.
- Private property reduces individuals’ dependancy on the state.
To what extent to Conservatives agree on the state’s role in the economy? (Agree)
- It is the role of the state to defend economic contracts and private property.
- Defend capitalism and the free market.
- Private property is vitally important as it provides psychological security for individuals within society.
- Private property reduces individuals’ dependancy on the state.
To what extent do Conservatives agree about the state’s role in the economy? (Disagree)
- Neo-liberals would abolish taxation. Neo-conservaties and traditional conservatives would argue for lower taxation. One-nation conservatives would argue for slightly increased taxation.
- One-nation conservatives argue for some state intervention in the economy. Other conservatives argue on behalf of heavy laissez-faire economics.
- Neo-conservatives are sympathetic to the free market. They are informed by pragmatism and supported government intervention to correct market failures during 2008.
- Neo-liberals want to ‘roll back the state’. All other areas of Conservatism believe in an organic state.
Why are neo-conservatives critical of neo-liberalistic views of atomistic individualism?
They feel their rejection of communal customs has helped transform Western society into a materialistic moral vacuum, ignoring ethnical rights and wrongs of Christian society.
Neo-conservatives in the US of A are massively pro-religion, and much of their politics is formed on this premise.
What is a modern example of neo-conservatism?
Rwanda Bill.
Why did Traditional Conservatism emerge?
In large part as a reaction to Enlightenment.
Who was the main proponent of One-nation Conservatism?
Benjamin Disraeli.
Why did the New Right see a rise in popularity?
An argument that one-nation conservatism had sanctioned too many changes to the role of the state and had lost touch with true Conservative values.
How does traditional Conservatism view human imperfection?
In three categories:
Morally imperfect (selfish creatures)
Intellectually imperfect (reality is always beyond rational understanding)
Psychologically imperfect (humans are security driven and socially dependent)
What was the ‘state of nature’ according to Hobbes?
Human desire for power and material gratification, while being naturally distrustful of others.
Society prior to the existence of state.
‘perpetual and restless desire for power and power that only ceaseth in death’.
‘a violent anarchy where life would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”’.
What was Hobbes theory on the ‘state of nature’?
Humans would actively try to escape that state.
They would form a certain social contract that surrenders some individual autonomy to a centralised monarchy in exchange for humans living collectively and without fear.
What was the premise for Hobbes’ ideas?
The anarchy that ensued due to the English Civil War.
Who is Edmund Burke?
‘the Father of Conservatism’
What was Edmund Burke’s main disagree with Hobbes?
burke: Absolute monarchies are bad.
What were Burke’s main ideas?
The organic society is not static and must be changed to preserve it.
Burke’s belief in human imperfection led to him rebutting most ideas from Enlightenment thinkers.
The Jacobins’ quest for the ideal society failed (they sacrificed social order in exchange for the human rights of Rousseau and Paine)
Burke was sympathetic towards the American Revolution (he thought the colonies had been completely misgoverned by the British government)
What was Burke’s main work?
Reflections on the Revolution in France.
What is empiricism?
The idea that knowledge and experience come from real experience and not abstract theories.
Why did Burke completely oppose the French Revolution, but support the American Revolution?
The French Revolution was built on abstract principles that discarded any empiricism and tradition for idealism that descended into violence and chaos.
Burkes believed the colonies had been completely misgoverned by the British and when they overturned the British, they did not abandon values, culture or tradition of the pre-existing society.
What was Michael Oakeshott’s work?
‘On Being Conservative’
What were Oakeshott’s main ideas?
Conservatism is as much as disposition as it is a set of political ideas.
Rationalism is beyond the ability of human beings because they are intellectually imperfect.
Due to rationalism being flawed, humans should put more stock in tradition.
Government should be grounded in pragmatism and empiricism, and not guided by abstract concepts of what should be.
Why did Oakeshott argue for the ‘politics of faith’?
Faith in rationalism is misplaced and those who act on the authority of their own reason will fail.
The implementation of abstract ideas leads to unforeseen consequences.
Be wary of making sure the ‘cure is not worse than the disease’.
What changes do the state enact if the subscribe to the idea of rationalism?
Changes are informed by abstract ideas.
MacMillan’s adoption of state management and Keynesian economics rather than the long-standing tradition of laissez-faire government.
What did Burke mean by ‘little platoons’?
Localised communities that retain their identity and enable wider integration within the nation.
Communities give structure to our lives.
What is ‘change to conserve’?
Society should naturally adapt to shifting circumstances by instigating small modifications to compensate rather than either completely resetting or refusing change whatsoever.
What is ‘noblesse oblige’?
The duty of society’s elite to care for those less wealthy and less privileged.
What do Conservatives believe about society?
It is inherently inequal, as there is a natural order in which each individual has his place.
Each individual has inequal talents and ability.
What did Burke believe about societal rule?
The aristocracy should lead as they were wiser than their inferiors, but they also have some level of responsibility of the lower orders.
Why did the New Right become popular in terms of paternalism?
Some felt that the poorest in society were so dependent on the state that the societal obligations of traditional Conservatism had been forgotten.
What does libertarianism emphasise?
Negative freedom (freedom from interference)
Minimal state interference
What type of society do neo-liberals believe in?
An atomistic society.
Who are the key thinkers for neo-liberal beliefs?
Ayn Rand.
Robert Nozick.
What is society in Rand’s eyes?
A collection of self-interested and self-sufficient individuals.
What is neo-liberal thought on human perfection?
They reject the theory of pessimistic human imperfection, opting to follow the rationalism of the Enlightenment.
What types of freedom do neo-liberals believe in?
Negative freedoms.
What is the problem with noblesse oblige according to neo-liberals?
It restricts an individuals development as it limits choice and prevents humans from learning from their mistakes.
What is the role of the state in neo-liberal society?
to oversee the rule of law and protect the rights of individuals from criminals and foreign invaders.
What did Nozick argue about tax?
‘Tax, for the most part, is theft.’
What do neo-liberals argue for in terms of taxation?
Massive reduction in tax and state spending as a moral and economic imperative for individual freedom.
What did Nozick say about the state and welfarism?
The state encroaches on the lives of citizens and that welfarism creates a dependency culture with the state ‘owning’ individuals.
How do neo-liberals suggest how we can ‘roll back the state’?
Deregulation and privisation of services carried out by the state.
Trade unions should have their powers curbed.
The individual should be ‘left alone’ economically, socially and politically.
The individual should have the right to choose anything.
The growth of the state is the gravest contemporary threat to individualistic freedom.
What was Hobbes’ view on Human Nature?
Extrememly negative.
Humans are selfish and individiualistically driven by self-interest.
What was Hobbes’ view on the state?
The state only exists because of a ‘social contract’ between the sovereign and his subjects.
Some freedoms are lost to ensure security and the rule of law.
What was Hobbes’ view on Society?
Society did not exist in any form prior to the creation of the state.
The sovereign brings order and authority.
What was Hobbes’ view on the Economy?
Economic activity is only possible after the creation of the state, with the sovereign bringing order and authority allowing the economy to develop.
What is the most important quote from Hobbes’ book?
The life of man would be ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short’ if society was not maintained.
What did Hobbes believe about authority?
Any authority is better than no authority as without authority we have no society. With no society, we enter a period of bloodshed and violence.
What did Burke believe about Human Nature?
Somewhat negative, but not as much as Hobbes.
Humans are morally and intellectually fallible.
What did Burke believe about the state?
The state emerges and grows like an organism, rather than just appearing at once.
The state is hierarchical, with the hereditary elite ruling with paternal noblesse oblige over their subjects.
The state should ‘change to conserve’.
Society should be guided by empiricism.
What did Burke believe about society?
Society is like a multifaceted organism.
Communities, traditions and customs all have a symbiotic relationship.
What did Burke believe about the economy?
The free market is the true and natural organic state of the economy.
The state should protect laissez-faire economics.
What did Oakeshott believe about human nature?
Somewhat negative, on a similar level to Burke.
Conservatism is based on intellectual imperfection.
Decisions of the human and the state should be grounded in empiricism rather than rationalism.
What did Oakeshott believe about the state?
The state should be guided by tradition and experience rather than rationalism.
Rationalistic state intervention should be met with scepticism.
Change, should it be necessary, should be guided by pragmatism and empricism.
What did Oakeshott believe about society?
Society is a multifaceted organism.
Communities, traditions and customs all have a symbiotic relationship.
What did Oakeshott believe about the economy?
The free market is the natural state of the economy and market.
State involvement should be considered very carefully and should be limited to pragmatic moderation.
State management / economic politiices underpinned by rationalism should be avoided as humans are intellectually imperfect.
What wing did Oakeshott sit on?
He had a foot in both traditional Conservatism and one-nation Conservatism.
What was Oakeshott’s famous quote?
‘to prefer the familiar to the unknown, to prefer the tried to the untried.., the actual to the possible’
What was Rand’s view on human nature?
Positive.
Humans are capable of rational though and should be objectivist in persuing their self-interest.
What was Rand’s view on the state?
The state should be so minimal.
The state should only secure a free market, law and order, national security.
What was Rand’s view on society?
Society should pursue atomistic individualism.
A collection of autonomous individuals are motivated by self-fulfilment.
Individuals resist state and societal obligations as they restrict individual freedom.
No welfare state whatsoever.
What was Rand’s view on the economy?
Free-market capitalism with no state intervention whatsoever.
Privatised and deregulated economy.
What type of Darwinism did Rand believe in?
Social Darwinism.
What did Nozick believe about human nature?
Positive.
Individuals are rational and driven by self-ownership of talent and their abilities and labour.
What did Nozick believe about the state?
A minarchist state.
The state should be limited to law and order, enforcement of contract and defence.
What did Nozick believe about society?
It is essentially atomistic.
A collection of autonomous individuals with liberatarian values who realise it is in their self-interest to be together.
Individuals resist state or societal obligations as they restrict individual freedom.
No welfare state.
What did Nozick believe about the economy?
A minarchist state.
Free market capitalism.
Privatised and deregulated economy.
