Conservatism - State Flashcards
what do all Conservatives agree about the state?
state is a necessity of society
why do Conservatives believe state in necessary?
due to their value of authority
what do Conservatives think about authority?
- authority is an essential feature of the organic and hierarchical structure of society
- where ‘natural governors’ make key decision in common interest of whole society
why does human nature mean a state is required?
- human nature is morally flawed
- only exercise of authority from above can prevent a descent into chaos
how do Conservatives disagree over state?
disagree on strength of state
what did Robert Nozick argue about the state?
only type of state that can be morally justified is a minimal or ‘nightwatchman state’
what is a nightwatchman state like?
- state has limited powers
- powers necessary to protect people against violence, theft and fraud
what was was Robert Nozick’s argument about how humans should be treated?
- humans should be treated ‘always as an end and never as a means only’
- means that since humans are rational, self aware being with free will, shouldn’t be treated as mere things
what kind of state do Neo-Conservatives call for?
strong state with strict law and order
for Neo-Conservatives, what it the solution to social instability and social disorder?
punitive discipline
what kind of powers should the state have according to Neo-Conservatives?
increased police powers, tougher punishments and anti-permissive polices to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour
why do Neo-Conservatives believe social authoritarianism is needed?
- since 1960s, authority and respect have declined in western nations
- leading to higher crime figures and increased rates of anti-social behaviour
what role do One-Nation Conservatives proscribe for the state in the economy?
state intervention in economy
for One-Nation Conservatives, what are interventionist techniques used to do?
maintain high employment levels, a mixed economy of private and public interest and state welfare programmes
what kind of economic do One-Nation Conservatives adopt?
Keynesian economics - state saves money when economy is doing well and injects money when economy is struggling
why do One-Nation Conservatives favour Keynesian economics?
to avoid the perceived drawbacks of a free minaret and to prevent social instability
why do One-Nation Conservatives favour an interventionist approach?
due to commitment to concepts such as reform and noblesse oblige (social obligation)
what would reforms to society mean?
reforms to improve conditions of poorest in society would reduce the likelihood of large-scale social discontent, preserving the position of the upper classes
According to One-Nation Conservatives, what does the state have an obligation to do?
intervene in the economy and maintain the welfare state to combat poverty and deprivation
what do New Right Conservatives advocate for the economy?
laissez faire capitalism
what do New Right Conservatives believe the economy should allow?
equality of opportunity - allowing individuals to rise or fall based on individual with no help or hinderance from the state
what do New Right Conservatives believe a free market is the best mechanism to do?
best mechanisms to meet consumer demand, maximise resources and generate prosperity
what do New Right Conservatives believe laissez-faire economy promotes?
promotes economic well being in that it is self regulating
what did Ayn Rand call for?
‘full, pure, uncontrolled, unregulated laissez-faire economy ‘
