Conservatism: New Flashcards:
Key word:
What does pragmatism mean?
An approach that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of their success of their practical application.
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What does empiricism mean?
The idea that knowledge and evidence come from real experience and not abstract theories.
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what does tradition mean?
The wisdoms of the past that make society.
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What does organic society mean?
Belief that society is not created but emerges and grows, developing like an organism.
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What does enlightenment mean?
A European intellectual movement of the state in the 17th - 18th century emphasising reason and individualism rather than tradition.
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What does noblesse oblige mean?
The duty of society’s elites (ruling class), the wealthy and privileged to look after those who are less fortunate (the working class).
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What does change to conserve mean?
Society should adapt to shifting circumstances by investigating small modifications rather than rejecting change outright.
These compromises will preserve the essence of society. If society doesn’t change it risks rebellion/revolution.
Key word:
What does human imperfection mean?
The belief that humans are flawed morally, intellectually and psychologically which limits decisions they make.
Therefore ideologies designed by humans will always be flawed and are not to be trusted.
Key word:
What does lassiez-faire mean?
An economic philosophy that advocates for minimal government interference in business and markets.
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What does Keynesianism mean?
The idea that the government should help manage the economy by spending money and adjusting policies to reduce unemployment and stabilise economic growth.
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What does atomism mean?
Where society is seen as made up of self-reliant individuals rather than collective groups e.g.(individualism)
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What does Hawkish mean?
Using force or military action, particularly in foreign policy.
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What does stagflation mean?
An economic condition in which there is high inflation, high unemployment, and stagnant (stays the same) economic growth.
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What does radical mean?
Advocating for major change.
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What does Anti-permissiveness mean?
Opposes broad personal freedoms and advocates for restrictions on behaviours that challenge traditional values or social norms.
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What does anomie mean?
A state of normlessness, where individuals feel disconnected or lack purpose due to the breakdown of societal values.
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What does hierachy mean?
A system or in which people or things are ranked one above the other according to authority, status, or importance.
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What does authority mean?
To the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
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What does traditional conservatism mean?
Focuses on preserving traditions, social order, and gradual change, valuing stability and respect for authority.
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What does one-nation conservatism mean?
Focuses on social unity, supporting both traditional values and policies to reduce inequality and care for all members of society.
Key word:
What does The New Right mean?
A political movement that advocates for free markets, limited government, and traditional conservative values.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of early traditional conservatism e.g. rejection of radical change (2 thinkers)
Hobbes rejected radical change because he feared it could lead to civil war and instability, as he saw during the English Civil War. He believed such changes would disrupt society and create chaos.
Burke opposed radical change, believing that societies should evolve gradually through respect for tradition. Believed that ideological ideas lead to chaos and instability as they were built to stand time.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of early traditional conservatism e.g. strong central authority (2 thinkers)
Hobbes argued that a strong, central government is necessary to maintain order and prevent chaos. Without a powerful ruler to enforce laws, society would fall into anarchy, as people are naturally selfish.
Oakeshott opposed strong central government, advocating for a limited state that preserved order and tradition. He emphasised the importance of experience over abstract ideas.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of early traditional conservatism e.g. support for tradition and religion (2 thinkers)
Hobbes recognised the importance of religion and tradition in maintaining social stability and moral order (allows everyone to have the same norms and values and therefore creates social cohesion.
Burke believed tradition and religion were essential for social stability and moral guidance. They should be used for wisdom and order arguing that undermining them could lead to chaos and moral decay.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of early traditional conservatism e.g. human nature (2 thinkers)
Hobbes believed humans are naturally selfish and driven by self-interest, needing external control to prevent conflict. This view supported conservative ideas of strong authority and governance.
Oakeshott viewed human nature as imperfect with people guided by everyday experiences rather than abstract ideals. He believed in focusing on pragmatic solutions.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of later traditional conservatism e.g. organic view of society (2 thinkers)
Burke believed society is like a living thing that changes slowly over time, not just a contract between individuals.
He thought it’s a web of relationships passed down through generations and shouldn’t be reshaped based on abstract ideas.
Oakeshott viewed society as an organic evolving gradually through traditions and practices. He believed change should be slow and based on experience, not driven by abstract ideals or ideology.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of later traditional conservatism e.g. gradual change (2 thinkers)
Burke supported gradual change instead of radical revolution, fearing that sudden changes. He believed in preserving stability by making slow, natural adjustments over time (to prevent revolution).
Hobbes was sceptical of gradual change, believing it could destabilise society. He argued that a strong, absolute sovereign was necessary to maintain order and prevent chaos.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of later traditional conservatism e.g. paternalism and social responsibility (2 thinkers)
Burke believed the aristocracy and elites had a duty to care for society by maintaining stable structures. He saw the wealthy as protectors of tradition ensuring everyone had a place in society.
Oakeshott was critical of paternalism, advocating for individual freedom. He believed social responsibility should evolve naturally through tradition, not be imposed by authorities.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of early one-nation conservatism e.g. social reform
One Nation conservatism supported social reforms to improve the working class’s conditions while maintaining traditional institutions.
It aimed for gradual change to prevent radicalism and preserve social stability, but remained opposed to socialism.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of early one-nation conservatism e.g. paternalism
Early one nation conservatism emphasised paternalism, where the elite had a duty to care for the welfare of the lower classes.
The aristocracy was seen as guardians of social order, offering support and leadership to maintain societal stability and prevent unrest.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of early one-nation conservatism e.g. economic policy
Early one nation conservatives supported a mixed economy combining free-market principles with state intervention and social safety nets.
These policies aimed to balance the interests businesses, social welfare and education to improve society.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of early one-nation conservatism e.g. pragmatism
Prioritised pragmatism over ideology, focusing on practical solutions to social problems rather than rigid political theories.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of later one-nation conservatism e.g. welfare state
Supported the welfare state.
Believing government intervention was necessary to ensure basic living standards and reduce inequality, while still upholding free markets.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of later one-nation conservatism e.g. immigration
Supported controlled immigration and effective integration, aiming to reap the benefits of immigration.
Ensured newcomers could integrate into British society without threatening social cohesion and national identity.
Features of conservatism:
What are the features of later one-nation conservatism e.g. economic policy
Supported a mixed economy, where free markets and government intervention worked together.
They advocated for a balance between private enterprise and public investment in areas like social services to maintain social order and reduce inequality.
Key word:
What does neo-liberalism mean
Ideology that supports free markets, less government control, privatisation, with a focus on cutting government spending and promoting private business.
Key word:
What does free markets mean?
An economic system where prices and goods are determined by supply and demand (how much you have the price you want for it) without much interference from the government.
In a free market, businesses and people can trade freely.
Features of traditional conservative:
What are the features of traditional conservativism e.g. human nature (use key thinkers)
Hobbes: Believed that humans are naturally selfish and driven by fear, leading to chaos without a strong authority. In his view, society requires a powerful central authority (the state) to maintain order and prevent conflict.
Burke: Argued that humans are flawed and imperfect, needing institutions and traditions to keep them grounded. He believed that order comes from long-established traditions rather than abstract principles or reason.
Features of traditional conservative:
What are the features of traditional conservativism e.g. tradition (use key thinkers)
Oakeshott: Also valued tradition, seeing it as the cumulative wisdom of the past, offering practical solutions and stability. He was wary of radical change, seeing it as disruptive and unpredictable.
Burke: Strongly emphasised the value of tradition as a stabilizing force. He argued that society should respect inherited institutions and customs, which provide continuity and stability.
Features of traditional conservative:
What are the features of traditional conservativism e.g. radical change (use key thinkers)
Hobbes: Advocated for strong, stable authority to prevent the chaos of anarchy. He believed that radical change (like overthrowing authority) leads to destruction.
Oakeshott: He was sceptical of utopian ideologies and radical solutions. He believed that attempts to radically reshape society often fail because they ignore the complexity of real-life experience and traditions.
Features of traditional conservative:
What are the features of traditional conservativism e.g. authority (use key thinkers)
Hobbes: Advocated for a strong, centralised authority (the Leviathan) to maintain peace and prevent chaos. He believed in a top-down structure of power to ensure social order.
Burke: Supported a hierarchical society where different classes and institutions, such as the aristocracy, play essential roles in maintaining stability and order.
Features of traditional conservative:
What are the features of traditional conservativism e.g. pragmatism (use key thinkers)
Burke: Advocated for pragmatism in politics, stressing the importance of careful, incremental reform over radical change. He believed in evolutionary change rather than revolutionary upheaval.
Oakeshott: Emphasised pragmatism and experience. He believed that political decisions should be grounded in the complexities of real life, rather than abstract theories or grand ideologies.
Features of one nation conservativism:
What are the key features of one nation conservatism e.g. social unity
One-Nation Conservatives believe in maintaining social unity and preventing divisions between the rich and poor.
They stress that society should be integrated, with a sense of shared responsibility across all classes.
Features of one nation conservativism:
What are the key features of one nation conservatism e.g. national identity
One-Nation Conservatives emphasize a strong sense of national identity and patriotism, believing that loyalty to the nation and its institutions is vital for social stability and progress.
Features of one nation conservativism:
What are the key features of one nation conservatism e.g. paternalism
One-Nation Conservatives support a paternalistic approach, where the government has a duty to care for the vulnerable.
They believe the wealthy and powerful should act as guardians for the less fortunate, ensuring social welfare and reducing inequality.
Features of one nation conservativism:
What are the key features of one nation conservatism e.g. pragmatism
This tradition favours pragmatism over ideological purity, valuing practical, gradual reforms.
One-Nation Conservatives emphasise the importance of tradition and social institutions that have stood the test of time.
Features of one nation conservativism:
What are the key features of one nation conservatism e.g. support for a mixed economy
One-Nation Conservatives support a mixed economy, where both private enterprise and government intervention coexist.
They believe in maintaining capitalism, but also recognize the need for state involvement in welfare, education, and healthcare to ensure fairness and social stability.
Features of neo-liberal conservatism:
What are the key features of neo-liberal conservatism e.g. autonomy (use key thinkers)
Rand: Believed people should act in their own self-interest and be free to do what they want, as long as it doesn’t hurt others. She didn’t think people owed anything to others unless they freely chose to do so.
Nozick: Agreed that people own themselves and their talents. He said everyone has the right to use their property as they see fit, as long as they don’t infringe on others’ rights.
Features of neo-liberal conservatism:
What are the key features of neo-liberal conservatism e.g. limited government (use key thinkers)
Rand: Thought the government should only protect people’s rights and private property. She didn’t want the government involved in people’s personal lives or economic matters.
Nozick: Believed the government should be minimal, only there to protect people’s life, liberty, and property. It should enforce contracts and protect people from violence, but nothing more.
Features of neo-liberal conservatism:
What are the key features of neo-liberal conservatism e.g. free-markets and economic freedom (use key thinkers)
Rand: Supported capitalism and believed the free market lets people pursue their own goals and achieve success. Any government interference in the economy takes away freedom.
Nozick: Also supported a free market, believing that wealth should be earned through voluntary exchange, not through government taxes or redistribution.
Features of neo-liberal conservatism:
What are the key features of neo-liberal conservatism e.g. rejection of the welfare state (use key thinkers)
Rand: Rejected welfare and redistribution of wealth. She thought helping others should be voluntary, not forced by the government.
Nozick: Argued that taking from people to give to others (through taxes or welfare) is wrong, as it violates individual property rights. He said people should keep what they earn.
Features of neo-liberal conservatism:
What are the key features of neo-liberal conservatism e.g. focus on rational self interest (use key thinkers)
Rand: Believed rational self-interest (doing what benefits oneself) is the key to happiness. People should aim to achieve their own success and happiness.
Nozick: Didn’t fully agree with Rand’s egoism, but he did believe people should have the freedom to choose their own path without interference from others.
Features of neo-conservative conservatism:
What are the key features of neo-conservative conservatism e.g. strong military
Neoconservatives believe the U.S. needs a strong military to protect itself and stay powerful in the world. They think the U.S. should be ready to use force when needed to defend its interests and stop threats like terrorism.
Features of neo-conservative conservatism:
What are the key features of neo-conservative conservatism e.g. capitalism
Neoconservatives support capitalism, meaning they think businesses should operate freely without much government control. They believe this creates economic growth, wealth, and freedom for people.
Features of neo-conservative conservatism:
What are the key features of neo-conservative conservatism e.g. foreign policy
Neoconservatives often think the U.S. should lead the world and sometimes act on its own, even if other countries don’t agree. They believe the U.S. has a responsibility to protect freedom and stability, even without international support.
Features of neo-conservative conservatism:
What are the key features of neo-conservative conservatism e.g. democracy
Neoconservatives don’t like dictators because they harm people and cause problems. They think the U.S. should act, even with force, to stop them.
They believe democracy is the best government and that the U.S. should help other countries become democratic, to make the world safer.
Features of neo-conservative conservatism:
What are the key features of neo-conservative conservatism e.g. traditional family
Neoconservatives, particularly those with traditionalist leanings, strongly support the idea of a stable, structured society based on traditional family values.
They believe that a healthy, functioning society relies on traditional institutions like the nuclear family, marriage, and respect for authority. These values are seen as the foundation of social order and personal responsibility
Key word:
What does neo-conservatism mean?
An ideology that supports free markets, traditional values and an active foreign policy e.g. military intervention to spread democracy.
It opposes liberalism and emphasises strong national defence.
Key Thinker:
What kind of conservative is Hobbes?
Traditional - Prioritises stability, continuity, and respect for established customs over rapid or radical change.
Key Thinker:
What kind of conservative is Burke?
Traditional - Prioritises stability, continuity, and respect for established customs over rapid or radical change.
Key Thinker:
What kind of conservative is Oakeshott?
Traditional - Prioritises stability, continuity, and respect for established customs over rapid or radical change.
Key Thinker:
What kind of conservative is Rand?
Neo-liberal - Emphasise free markets, individualism, and minimal government interference in economic matters.
Key Thinker:
What kind of conservative is Nozick?
Neo-liberal - Emphasise free markets, individualism, and minimal government interference in economic matters.
Key Thinker:
What are Hobbes ideas on order?
Hobbes believed that without a strong central authority, society would fall into chaos.
He argued that people must give up some freedoms to a powerful ruler (the sovereign) through a social contract to maintain order, peace, and security.
Key Thinker:
What are Hobbes ideas on human nature?
Hobbes believed that humans are naturally selfish and driven by self-interest.
He argued that without laws or authority, people would act in ways that lead to conflict and violence, as everyone competes for resources.
So a strong government is needed to keep order and prevent chaos.
Key Thinker:
What are Burke’s ideas on organic change?
Burke thought change should happen slowly and naturally, not quickly or radically.
He believed society should respect traditions and grow over time, like a living organism, to keep stability and order.
Key Thinker:
What are Burke’s ideas on tradition and empiricism?
Burke believed tradition is important because it provides wisdom and stability that have been developed over time rather than abstract ideas or theories.
He argued that we should trust the experiences of past generations rather than trying to create new systems without understanding the consequences.
Key Thinker:
What are Oakeshott’s ideas on human imperfection?
Oakeshott believed humans are imperfect and prone to mistakes.
He thought society should change slowly and carefully, based on tradition, rather than radical changes as we can’t fully predict the results of new ideas.
Key Thinker:
What are Oakeshott’s ideas on pragmatism?
Oakeshott believed that society should work through a pragmatic lens dealing with problems as they come up and using tradition to deal with these issues as they have worked for years.
Key Thinker:
What are Rand’s ideas on objectivism?
Rand believed in individualism, where each person should pursue their own happiness, and supports capitalism as the best system for this.
She rejects the idea of sacrificing oneself for others, arguing that helping others shouldn’t be a moral duty.
Key Thinker:
What are Rand’s ideas on freedom?
Rand believes freedom means the right to live and make choices for yourself, without interference from others or the government.
She thinks people should act in their own best interest and that capitalism protects this freedom.
Key Thinker:
What are Nozick’s ideas on libertarianism?
Nozick’s libertarianism argues for maximum individual freedom and minimal government.
People should control their own lives and property, and the government’s only role is to protect those rights.
He believes taxation is like theft, as it takes people’s property without their consent.
Key Thinker:
What are Nozick’s ideas on self-ownership?
Nozick’s idea of self-ownership means that individuals have full control over their own bodies, lives, and property.
People own themselves and their labour, so they have the right to do whatever they want with their resources, as long as it doesn’t infringe on others’ rights.
Key Thinker:
What are Hobbes’s ideas on the state?
Hobbes believed the state is essential to prevent chaos, as humans are naturally selfish (this would lead to the state of nature).
People agree to give up some freedoms to a strong ruler who ensures order and security (the social contract)
Key Thinker:
What are Hobbes’s ideas on society?
Hobbes believed that in the “state of nature,” without society, humans would live in constant fear and conflict. He thought society.
However with laws and a powerful government, was necessary to provide peace, security, and protect people from their own selfish instincts.
Key Thinker:
What are Hobbes’s ideas on the economy?
Hobbes believed that a strong government was needed to control the economy.
Without it, people would compete and fight, making the economy unstable. He thought the government should regulate economic activity to keep order.
Key Thinker:
What are Burke’s ideas on human nature?
Burke believed that human nature is imperfect and flawed.
He argued that people are not always rational and because of this change should be done gradually rather than having radical change.
He thought humans are naturally inclined to seek security and stability so having structured societies would be very beneficial.
Key Thinker:
What are Burke’s ideas on the state?
Burke believed the state should evolve gradually, based on traditions of past generations.
It should provide stability, protect society, and avoid sudden, radical changes.
Key Thinker:
What are Burke’s ideas on society?
Burke believed society is like an organic system that evolves over time.
He thought traditions and institutions are important for stability and should be preserved. Change should be slow and careful, respecting what has worked in the past.
Key Thinker:
What are Burke’s ideas on the economy?
Burke supported a market economy but believed it should be guided by tradition and moral values.
He was against excessive government intervention, but he also thought the state should ensure that the poor are protected and that social order is maintained.
Key Thinker:
What are Oakeshott’s ideas on human nature?
Oakeshott believed that humans are imperfect and limited in their ability to understand the world fully.
He argued that people are driven by practical needs and experience, rather than abstract theories or grand ideals so that it how society should operate.
Key Thinker:
What are Oakeshott’s ideas on the state?
Oakeshott believed the state’s main role is to maintain order and stability.
He thought the state should respect traditions and avoid trying to change society too much.
It should allow people to live their lives without too much interference.
Key Thinker:
What are Oakeshott’s ideas on society?
Oakeshott believed society is made up of traditions, customs, and practices that have evolved over time.
He thought people should respect these traditions because they have developed naturally and provide stability.
He opposed radical change, believing that societies work best when they follow established practices.
Key Thinker:
What are Oakeshott’s ideas on the economy?
Oakeshott believed the economy should evolve naturally, guided by tradition and practical experience, not by government planning or ideology.
He was cautious about central control and preferred stability over radical economic changes.
Key Thinker:
What are Rand’s ideas on human nature?
Rand believed that humans are rational beings, capable of using reason to make decisions and achieve their own happiness.
She argued that self-interest is natural and that individuals should act in ways that benefit themselves, as long as they respect others’ rights.
Key Thinker:
What are Rand’s ideas on society?
Rand believed society should allow individuals to pursue their own happiness and goals.
She thought people should be free from government interference and that society works best when people act in their own self-interest.
Key Thinker:
What are Rand’s ideas on the state?
Rand believed that the state should be limited to protecting individual rights, such as life, liberty, and property.
She argued that the government’s only role is to maintain order, enforce contracts, and provide national defence
opposing government intervention in the economy or personal lives.
Key Thinker:
What are Rand’s ideas on the economy?
Rand believed in a free-market economy where businesses operate without government interference.
She thought that people should be free to make their own economic choices and compete, which would lead to progress and success.
Key Thinker:
What are Nozick’s ideas on human nature?
Nozick believed that humans are individuals with the right to make their own choices and pursue their own goals.
He argued that people are naturally self-interested but also capable of cooperation and respecting others’ rights, as long as they are free to do so without interference.
Key Thinker:
What are Nozick’s ideas on the state?
Nozick believed in a minimal state in which the state’s only role should be to protect individuals’ rights through defence, law enforcement, and ensuring contracts are upheld.
He opposed a state that intervenes in people’s lives beyond these functions.
Key Thinker:
What are Nozick’s ideas on society?
Nozick believed society should be made up of individuals who freely choose to associate and interact.
He opposed any forced collective arrangements, arguing that people should be free to form their own groups and live as they choose, as long as they respect others’ rights.
Key Thinker:
What are Nozick’s ideas on the economy?
Nozick supported a free-market economy where individuals can freely exchange goods and services without government interference.
He believed in minimal taxation and opposed wealth redistribution, arguing that people should keep the fruits of their labour.
Differing views and tensions:
Where are the areas of agreement between conservatives when it comes to human nature? (use 2 key thinkers)
Hobbes and One Nation Conservatives both see human nature as selfish and imperfect, needing strong structures for order.
Trad: Hobbes believes in a powerful, centralized sovereign to prevent chaos as people are driven by selfish desires
One Nation Conservatives prefer a more paternalistic, traditional approach focused on social cohesion and gradual reform.
Differing views and tensions:
Where are the areas of disagreement between conservatives when it comes to human nature? (use 2 key thinkers)
Traditional: Hobbes views human nature as selfish and believes strong authority is necessary to prevent chaos.
Neo-liberal: sees self-interest as a positive force, advocating for minimal government and individual freedom.
Differing views and tensions:
Where are the areas of agreement between conservatives when it comes to the state? (use 2 key thinkers)
Burke and neoconservatives both value a strong state to maintain social order and protect traditional values.
Traditional: Burke favours a gradual, organic approach to state development.
Neoconservatives: Support a more proactive, interventionist state, particularly in foreign policy to defend national interests and spread democracy.
Differing views and tensions:
Where are the areas of disagreement between conservatives when it comes to the state? (use 2 key thinkers)
One Nation Conservatives: Support a strong state role in social order, protecting the vulnerable, and maintaining cohesion through welfare and reform.
Neoliberals: Advocate for minimal state intervention, focusing on free markets, individual responsibility, and limited government involvement in social issues.
Differing views and tensions:
Where are the areas of agreement between conservatives when it comes to society? (use 2 key thinkers)
One Nation Conservatives: Emphasise tradition, social cohesion, and a supportive welfare state to ensure fairness and stability.
Neoconservatives: Value tradition and social order but focus more on personal responsibility, law and order, and enforcing moral values, with less emphasis on welfare.
Differing views and tensions:
Where are the areas of disagreement between conservatives when it comes to society? (use 2 key thinkers)
Neo-liberal: Rand values individual freedom and self-interest without government interference.
Neoconservatives: Believes society needs traditional values and moral order, with the government playing a role in upholding these values.
Differing views and tensions:
Where are the areas of agreement between conservatives when it comes to the economy? (use 2 key thinkers)
Hobbes and Nozick both value property and stability in the economy.
Traditional: Hobbes believes a strong government is needed to protect property and maintain order.
Neo-conservative: Nozick agrees on the importance of property but prefers a minimal government that only protects rights and resolves disputes.
Differing views and tensions:
Where are the areas of disagreement between conservatives when it comes to the economy? (use 2 key thinkers)
Traditional: Burke supports some government regulation and welfare to maintain order and assist the less fortunate,
Neo-liberal: Rand advocates for a laissez-faire capitalist system with minimal government interference, emphasizing individual freedom.
