Conservatism ver 2 Flashcards
What were the core principles articulated by Edmund Burke as conservatism emerged?
Pragmatism, tradition, hierarchy, and human imperfection.
What are the main strands of conservatism discussed?
Traditional conservatism, One Nation conservatism, and the New Right.
How does pragmatism differ between the strands?
Pragmatism of basing decisions on practical experience over ideology is central to traditional and One Nation conservatism but rejected by the ideological New Right.
How do the strands view tradition?
Tradition is seen as accumulated wisdom to respect and build on gradually by traditional and One Nation conservatives. The New Right diverged from this in pursuit of freedom.
What is paternalism and hierarchy in conservative thought?
Paternalism is authorities governing benevolently for societal stability and welfare. Hierarchy is viewed as a natural, beneficial ordering of society.
Other key conservative principles?
Support for capitalism/property, organic society view, human imperfection limiting utopianism, strong state providing order.
Areas of tension between the strands?
Interpreting principles like pragmatism, tradition, state role, individual freedom, human nature.
Overall conservative values?
Tradition, pragmatism, gradual change, order, hierarchy.
Differences between traditional, One Nation and New Right?
Traditional/One Nation value pragmatism, hierarchy, human imperfection needing paternalism. New Right rejects paternalism for individualism/freedom.
One Nation conservatives’ view?
Pragmatically accepted some state intervention to prevent unrest, promoting societal cohesion.
New Right’s view?
Supports laissez-faire capitalism and limited state from libertarian ideology.
debate about New Right?
Whether it rejects conservative roots due to liberal individualism or aligns with changing traditions pragmatically.
Key thinkers?
Hobbes, Burke, Disraeli, Oakeshott representing traditional/One Nation. Rand, Nozick representing New Right libertarianism.
