Conservatism-Society Flashcards
How would we describe an organic society?
Like a tree- naturally developed and according to Hobbes, «more than the sum of its parts».
Why is empiricism important to Conservatives in their view of society?
Because of its organic character, cons look at society in empirical terms. Deal with society’s issues in a practical, evidential and pragmatic way with no idea of what society ‘ought to be’.
Oakeshott- the cons society merely aims to ‘stay afloat’ in uncertain waters, rather than sail to some specific destination that may prove illusory.
How to Trad Cons like Burke view society (localism)
As ‘little platoons’- not atomistic. These communities provide their individuals with security, status and inspiration, while acting as a brake upon the sort of selfish individualism extolled by classical Liberals.
Shown in his objection to the FR, he thought that inaugurating a single, monolithic society would override local loyalties- a view reinforced by the French republic’s development of a highly centralised state.
(1) how do the New Right (neo libs)and Trad cons disagree over an organic society
They don’t think it exists. They think that individuals are atomistic and will do what they want regardless of what society demands of them.
(2) How does The New Right (Rand) disagree with One Nats on the idea of an organic society.
Over their views on human nature/capabilities. Whereas One nats perhaps believe in an organic society on the basis that that ind’s are perhaps not always capable of looking after themselves, Rand’s objectivism supports a laissez-faire attise that allows individuals to do what they want.
(3)Why does Nozick reject the developments to the organic society after WW2?
The paternalistic attitudes that developed in society especially after this time fed a dependency culture
How do neo-cons and One-nats disagree over the idea of an organic society.
Although neo-cons agree in the idea of an organic society, they don’t agree with the paternalistic attitude that comes with it. Although one nats stress the relationship between the stronger and weaker elements of society, like the relationship between a father and child, with the former having an organic responsibility for the latter, new cons think society is held together by discipline/authority that develops over time
How would the New right (neo libs) and One nats view republicans repeatedly trying to reduce food stamps?
One- nats might worry that doing this would break the societal bonds between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’- Disraeli and therefore the societal cohesion that the organic society represents. The Neo libs would like it because it reduces this dependency culture that people like Nozick so hated.
How do One Nats and Trad cons agree on the idea of an organic society?
Belief common to both strands that there is a responsibility to each other (noblesse oblige) and this, in conjunction with idea of human imp., requires the hierarchical structure that naturally develops in an organic society to offset the damaging impact of individuals doing their own thing
(2) how do One nats and trad’s agree on an organic society
Burke has the idea of ‘little platoons’ that knit society together organically and stop people rebelling. In accordance with this view, Burke believed in the need to ‘change to preserve’ in order to preserve the organic society. Similarly, One-Nats in the 19th century viewed the need for the stronger elements to change to preserve by having a paternalistic attitude to the poor in order to preserve the organic society.
An example of how Neo-Cons and One-Nats agree on organic society but for different reasons
Laws making it easier to get a divorce-
For neo cons laws making it easier to get a divorce leads to more single parent households which leads to more crime and thus a break down in society. Therefore they support institutions that ave developed organically over hundreds of years like the church.
One nats may like the church and organic institutions generally because it strengthens bonds between the stronger and weaker elements of society- for i stance the idea of rich and poor coming together to pray strengthens social cohesion
