Conservativism Flashcards
Thomas Hobbes (Traditional Conservatism)
Core Idea: Humans are inherently flawed and need a strong state (Leviathan) to avoid chaos.
Belief: Life without a state is “nasty, brutish, and short.
Edmund Burke (Traditional Conservatism)
Core Idea: Opposed the French Revolution, believing in human fallibility.
Belief: Change should be small, based on tradition, and protect social order. Society is made of organic communities (“little platoons”).
Michael Oakeshott (One Nation Conservatism)
Core Idea: Humans can’t create perfect societies, but they naturally desire morality.
Belief: Politics should be pragmatic and evidence-based. The state should maintain order, not promote a specific vision.
Ayn Rand (New Right)
Core Idea: Objectivism – individuals should act in their own self-interest.
Belief: Laissez-faire capitalism maximizes individual potential. Supports minimal state, but believes in meritocracy and freedom of opportunity.
Robert Nozick (New Right)
Core Idea: Libertarianism – minimal state and self-ownership.
Belief: The state should only exist to prevent harm, not interfere with personal freedoms. Advocates for minimal taxation and believes in meritocracy.
Core Beliefs:
Traditional Conservatism (TC): Human imperfection, order, tradition, and cautious change.
One Nation Conservatism: Pragmatism, paternalism, and an organic society.
New Right Conservatism: Objectivism, minimal state, laissez-faire economics, and libertarianism.
Key Concepts:
Human Nature: TCs view humans as flawed and self-interested; New Right sees humans as rational and individualistic.
The State: TCs support a large, guiding state (with a paternalistic elite); New Right advocates for a minimal state, focused on security and law.
Society: TCs favor organic communities with traditions; New Right sees society as a collection of individuals.
Economy: TCs are reluctant supporters of capitalism, fearing its chaos; New Right supports unrestricted capitalism and privatization.
Tensions:
Human Nature: TCs are skeptical, fearing overestimation of human potential; New Right is optimistic and believes in rational self-interest.
The State: TCs see the state as a necessary authority to guide and control; New Right wants the state reduced to law enforcement and defense.
Society: TCs prefer a structured, hierarchical society; New Right values individualism and a meritocratic approach.
Economy: TCs are cautious about capitalism, supporting regulation; New Right fully embraces free markets without state interference.
Is Conservatism Just Pragmatism?
Yes: Conservatism adapts based on evidence, tradition, and empirical changes, aiming to preserve societal order.
No: It’s grounded in an imperfection-based philosophy that rejects radical changes, advocating for tradition over pragmatism.
Is the New Right a Break from Traditional Conservatism?
Yes: New Right emphasizes clear ideological goals (small state, meritocracy) and has a more optimistic view of human nature.
No: It still upholds some traditional values (law and order, moral principles) and supports a strong state for security.
