Conservatism - Topic 2 Flashcards
The differing views and tensions between the branches of conservatism
Where do all branches of conservatism agree on human nature?
Traditional, one-nation and neo-conservatives all believe in a Hobbesian view that humans are morally, intellectually and psychologically imperfect. All conservatives believe that human are individualistic driven and are rational enough to recognise when they need to change.
Where do branches of conservatism disagree on human nature?
Intellectual imperfect in tradtional conservatism influences statecraft, with tradtional conservatives prefering empiricism and pragmatism.
Neo-liberals are the opposite and prefer scientific fact and logic as they have a positive view of human nature and everyone is motivated by their own self-interests and their first loyalty is their happiness.
One-nation conservatives and neo-conservatives are more open to rationalism and state-management and a state is required to ensure an organic society, this doesn’t necesarily have to be a monarchy unlike traditional conservatives.
Where do all branches of conservatism agree on the state?
Traditional, one-nation and neo-conservatives all agree that the state’s primary role is to protect the organic society. These three branches all agree on some level of state intervention in order to conserve as society is never static. In times of crisis, these branches will also favour heavy state intervention to preserve the economy and society.
Where do branches of conservatism disagree on the state?
Traditional conservatives will advocate for a hawkish foreign policy and military intervention and favour insular nationalism.
One-nation conservatism is the branch most likely to favour state intervention in day-to-day running of the nation.
Neo-conservatives believe that anti-poverty programme failed because they ignore human imperfection and humans aren’t naturally moral or hardworking.
Neo-liberals argue for a miniaturist state and are completely hostile to state intervention with the state’s primary role being to protect human rights and tackling external forces. Neo-liberals also oppose any idea of a natural hierarchy and completely support meritocracy.
Where do all branches of conservatism agree on the economy?
All branches are ambivalent/favour the role of capitalism in the economy and the state interfering in the economy. For the most part, the state shouldn’t need to intervene regularly and should only act as a referee of the rules of the market. All branches support the free market.
Where do branches of conservatism disagree on the economy?
One-nation conservatives value intervention in the economy and most often take a Keynesian outlook on intervention and will sanction massive interventions in emergencies.
Neo-conservatives are still informed by tradtionalists and will be pragmatic when needed.
Neo-liberals are committed to the free market and oppose interventionary state management at any level.
Where do all branches of conservatism agree on society?
All branches view society as organic and cannot exist without a state first. Traditional, one-nation and neo-conservatives all argue that society was built of ‘little platoons’ that bind to form a nation, and all see a utopian society as unobtainable. These three branches all believe in upholding public morality, however, to what extent is disputed.
Where do branches of conservatism disagree on society?
Traditional conservatives favour authoritarian law and order and believed in the importance of religion alongside other traditions to help bind society.
One-nation conservatism is paternal and influenced heavily by modern liberalism and advocates for extensive state intervention in society and are more secular and more inclusive.
Neo-conservatism prefers ‘Christian values’ to secular views and are critical of permissiveness. They are still paternal and advocate for welfare however not as generous.
Neo-liberals argue that society is atomistic and self-interested and loath collectivism. Neo-liberals don’t believe in state-funded welfare and instead argue for voluntarism and donations.
