Core ideas and principles

Question 1

What are the 6 key elements of Conservatism?

Answer 1

1. Pragmatism
2. Tradition
3. Human Imperfection
4. Organic Society
5. Paternalism
6. Libertarianism

Question 2

Which two Conservative thinkers are associated with Pragmatism?

Answer 2

• Edmund Burke

- Michael Oakeshott

Question 3

What does it mean to be pragmatic?

Answer 3

• Using you mind before making decision
• Base decisions on experience rather than ideological loyalties
• Political decision should be made in the best interests of the people

Question 4

How is the core principle of pragmatism justified?

Answer 4

• Linked to the idea of human rationality
• Pragmatic conservatives believe that humans lack the intellectual capability and powers of reasoning to fully understand the complexities of the natural world
• Abstract ideas and theories are dismissed
• Classless society/social reorder is unthinkable
• Cautious with change

Question 5

How does pragmatism link to political theory?

Answer 5

• Links to both Traditional and One nation conservatism
• Evolution should take place rather than radical revolution
• A One nation conservative uses pragmatism in the same way, but also seek an economic middle ground between government regulation and market competition

Question 6

What is tradition?

Answer 6

The idea of culture and practices that have developed over time.

Question 7

How does tradition link to religion?

Answer 7

• Traditional conservatives believe that the world was created by a Divine being - thus traditional institutions and societies are God given and must be upheld

Question 8

How did the Enlightenment era undermine the concept of religious tradition?

Answer 8

• The Enlightened thinkers of the 18th Century were anti-clerical in nature, and they were both pragmatic and rational with their thinking

Question 9

What would traditional conservatives argue about radical change?

Answer 9

That it can lead to autocracy, when trying to move away from it, ending up worse than it was before.

Question 10

Why do Conservatives believe in maintaining tradition is the key to gain wisdom from the past?

Answer 10

• The key ideas of monarchy, constitution, the nuclear family and marriage have all stood the test of time - the public enjoy engaging in these traditions
• They lead to national unity and social stability

Question 11

Which revolutionary events do Conservatives point to to show that radical change cuts society off from their past?

Answer 11

• French Revolution in 1789
• Bolshevik Revolution in 1917
• These paved the way for regimes that are even more tyrannical than what they are trying to replace

Question 12

What do conservatives believe tradition gives society?

Answer 12

A sense of identity.

Question 13

Why does the notion of long-established traditions provide an idea of familiarity?

Answer 13

• It fosters an idea of cohesion of society
• Powerful ties between communities
• Radical policies will not communities off from long standing practices

Question 14

What are conservatives view of human nature?

Answer 14

• They have a pessimistic view of human nature
• Humans are flawed and will never achieve perfection
• Human nature is immutable
• Human imperfection has to be kept in constant check and review - due to human capacity for evil

Question 15

How are conservatives views on human nature shown practically?

Answer 15

• Tough stance on law and order to deter criminal behaviour
• Foreign policy has to be based with national security in mind rather than ‘so called’ ‘liberal’ notions of international co-operation and harmony
• Human nature is competitive; self-interest is thus recognised as a driving factor in society

Question 16

In what three ways are human beings flawed?

Answer 16

1. Psychologically
2. Morally
3. Intellectually

Question 17

What is human imperfection?

Answer 17

To be flawed; the idea that no human is perfect and naturally put the interests of themselves and those close to them first, rather than society as a whole.

Question 18

What is the background of the organic society or state?

Answer 18

• Conservatives regard human society and humans as intertwined - they cannot be separated from each other
• This is because humans are dependent and security seeking
• In turn they accept the responsibility and bonds that go with belonging to society or social groups
• This is true freedom for Conservatives - the willingness to accept the value of social obligations and ties

Question 19

What is Atomism?

Answer 19

• The idea that society is made up of self-interested and self-sufficient individuals - egotistical humans
• Social breakdown of society
• Conservatives want to avoid this - they do this through the organic state

Question 20

What is the organic state?

Answer 20

Humans and human society cannot be separated as humans are dependent and security seeking - they accept the responsibilities going with belonging to society or social groups

Question 21

Why can natural forces control the organic nature of society?

Answer 21

Because there is no blueprint created by theory.

Question 22

Which two ideas underpin the idea of an organic society?

Answer 22

• Natural forces control the organic nature of society

- The organic nature of society cannot be reconfigured

Question 23

How are ranks decided?

Answer 23

• Decided upon your talent, ambition, intellect, skills and work rate

Question 24

Society is also organic due to the idea of…

Answer 24

class - people are grouped into classes and groups (like limbs and organs) and perform specific roles. There is a difference between managers and workers. An organic society produces a natural occurring inequality in terms of financial gain.

Question 25

The idea that organic society works is because the most advantaged also bear the heaviest…

Answer 25

social responsibility - Managers and employers enjoy higher living standards than their workers. They also carry the burden of protecting their workforces.

Question 26

The idea of hierarchy fosters the idea of…

Answer 26

paternalism.

Question 27

What is the purpose of authority, in the eyes of a conservative?

Answer 27

• To give people a clear sense of how they fit into society - gives them structure in the class system
• Gives people role models to aspire towards
• One must not abuse their power in a position of authority within the hierarchy

Question 28

What is paternalism?

Answer 28

The fundamental idea of government by people who are best equipped to lead by virtue of their birth, inheritance and upbringing.