Core Ideas + Values

Question 1

what does conservatism aim to do?

Answer 1

Conservatism aims to conserve society in its existing form — Links to Conservatives being wary of change

attempts to adapt their core ideas and principles gradually over time in line with changes in society

Question 2

What does conservatism prefer

Answer 2

Prefers pragmatism to ideological thinking

Can be portrayed in nonideological times, a state of mind rather than an ideology

Question 3

g

Answer 3

During the 1970s and 80s new right Conservative thinking challenged many of the key elements of traditional conservatism

Conservatism evolved from the late 17th century

Question 4

Key aspects of conservatism

Answer 4

Social order

Pragmatism

Tradition

Need for hierarchy within society

Organic view of society — society evolves naturally rather than being constructed

Patriotism

Pessimistic view of human nature

Question 5

CORE VALUE: pragmatism

Answer 5

key core value most distinctive feature of conservatism

Involves flexibility adapting to change practical solutions

Question 6

CORE VALUE: pragmatism

Answer 6

Try to avoid a rigid ideological approach to issues

links to the notion that conservatism is not an ideology it adapts to change rather than having dogmatic principles

However in practice political behaviour and actions cannot be wholly separated from ideology

conservatism may be an ideology as it has defining values and principles

Question 7

CORE VALUE: pragmatism

Answer 7

Associated with Edmund Burke 1729 to 97 and Michael Oakeshott 1901 to 90

Michael Oakeshott said politics should be a ”conversation, not an argument”

Oakeshott also said “to be a Conservative is to prefer the tried to the untried”

Question 8

CORE VALUE: pragmatism

Answer 8

Pragmatism is linked to traditional and one nation conservatism

Traditional Conservatives like Edmund Burke believe pragmatism is an essential part in facilitating natural or inevitable change in society

Burke argued that such change should not be opposed because a state “without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation”

Essentially for the state to keep going it needs to adapt to some extent i.e. being pragmatic

Edmund Burke also believed that cautious pragmatism would bring about necessary change peacefully through evolution a lack of pragmatism would result in revolution conflict and chaos

Societies key features order property tradition and established institutions can only be preserved through pragmatic policy which takes into account changing circumstances and recognises when it’s necessary to change to conserve

Question 9

CORE VALUE: pragmatism

Answer 9

Change to conserve is the idea that society should adapt to changing circumstances by introducing moderate reforms rather than rejecting change which could lead to rebellion and revolution

The state needs to adapt and be flexible and pragmatic in order to survive

Question 10

CORE VALUE: pragmatism

Answer 10

Pragmatism is most closely associated with one nation conservatism

One nation conservatives hold similar attitudes to social reform as traditional Conservatives

Have more recently adopted a pragmatic Middle Way approach to the economy combining market competition with government regulation a moderate economic course designed to promote growth and social harmony by encouraging wealth creation through private enterprise and generating funding for state welfare programs

Example = conservative administrations 1951 to 64… Under Edward Heath and Harold MacMillan

Clearest example of one nation conservative pragmatism

Moderate Conservative administrations governed in the UK between 1951 and 1964

In opposition the Conservatives had opposed to many of labours domestic reform policies but when they came to power they did not attempt to reverse labours nationalisation of British industry or the creation of the welfare state

They were aware that these policies were popular and working well so they took a pragmatic stance agreeing to retain labours reforms

known as the postwar consensus

Thatcher demonstrated a break from pragmatism her conservatism was much more ideological

Question 11

CORE VALUE: pragmatism

Answer 11

Rejects theory and ideology because it is inflexible in favour of practical experience

Seeks a workable consensus and social harmony

Society and decision-making should be flexible and made on the basis of what works best

Pragmatism is a flexible approach to politics considering what is in the best interest of the people as well as what is acceptable and will maintain social stability and cohesion

Prefer acting in a pragmatic way emphasising caution and moderation

Question 12

CORE VALUE: pragmatism

Answer 12

Linked to the Conservative view of human rationality humans lack the intellectual ability and powers of reasoning to fully understand the complexities of the world

So Conservative’s tend to dismiss abstract ideas and ideologies that claim to explain or improve human life and development

Ideas such as human rights a classless society and equality are dangerous and go against the natural order of things because they promote a radical reordering of society that often leads to worse conditions

Question 13

CORE VALUE: pragmatism

Answer 13

Critics argue that pragmatism reveals a lack of political principle and encourages politicians to follow rather than lead public opinion

Question 14

CORE VALUE: tradition

Answer 14

Tradition is another important value of conservatism

Conservatism greatly values the institutions customs and practices of society that have developed over time

Question 15

CORE VALUE: tradition

Answer 15

The conservative emphasis on tradition has religious roots many believe the world was created by a divine being so viewed the institutions and practices of society as God-given

Those who attempt to alter these long-standing traditions or challenging the will of God therefore undermining society rather than improving it

Many still use this reasoning but it has been severely weakened by the impact of enlightenment thinking (which emphasised rationalism and anticlericalism, opposed to the power of the clergy (church)) and the incorporation of man-made innovations over time such as representative democracy

Question 16

CORE VALUE: tradition

Answer 16

In the present day Conservatives offer 2 secular arguments in favour of tradition

These arguments were used by the Conservatives to oppose labours constitutional changes in the late 1990s they believed that devolved assemblies and the House of Lords reform would undermine stability and create uncertainty

1) Tradition constitutes the accumulated wisdom of the past
2) Tradition provide society and individuals with a strong sense of identity

Question 17

CORE VALUE: tradition

Answer 17

1) Tradition constitutes the accumulated wisdom of the past — Institutions and practices of the past such as the monarchy the Constitution heterosexual marriage et cetera have stood the test of time which demonstrates the value to society they have survived because they work therefore they should be preserved so that future generations can also benefit from them

E.g. the monarchy promotes a sense of national unity and pride as demonstrated in the 2011 royal wedding, shows that tradition provides social stability and continuity

Each generation has a duty to safeguard and pass on the accumulated wisdom of tradition to the next generation

Draws on the ideas of Edmund Burke society as a “partnership not only between those who are living but between those who are living those who are dead and those who are to be born”

Question 18

CORE VALUE: tradition

Answer 18

2) Tradition provides society and individuals with a strong sense of identity therefore providing social stability and continuity

Long established institutions and practices are Familia and provide us with a story based sense of belonging to a particular society therefore tradition promote social cohesion and security by offering humans a collective sense of identity and creating strong ties between them and society

Question 19

CORE VALUE: tradition

Answer 19

Influences the Conservative attitude to change

Reform and change can only be justified if it is peaceful and involves naturally any attempt to implement radical revolutionary changes is doomed to fail and will lead to instability and insecurity

EXAMPLE = Edmund Burke condemned the French Revolution of 1789 he said that by seeking to destroy traditional institutions like the monarchy they were cutting themselves off from the past and allowing new tyrannical regimes to be established, thus undermining social order and stability

Question 20

CORE VALUE: human imperfection

Answer 20

Conservatives have a pessimistic view of human nature

They believe that humans are flawed in multiple ways which makes them incapable of making good decisions for themselves

Humankind is incapable of reaching perfection and any attempt to do so will fail as we are immutable and remain constant

Humans are psychologically morally and intellectually imperfect

Question 21

CORE VALUE: human imperfection

Answer 21

Humans are morally imperfect

They are naturally selfish and greedy

Antisocial and criminal behaviour is due to basic human nature

A tough law and order system is the only effective means of deterring such behaviour and combating human Imperfection

Question 22

CORE VALUE: human imperfection

Answer 22

Humans are psychologically imperfect

They are limited and dependent

crave safety familiarity and security which comes from knowing our place in society

Heavy emphasis on the social order as it provides us with much-needed security and stability whereas liberty brings the prospect of choice and uncertainty

Explains their belief and support of hierarchy

Links to Thomas Hobbs view that social order should come before liberty he also held the view that humans will be willing to trade liberty for security

Question 23

CORE VALUE: human imperfection

Answer 23

Humans are intellectually imperfect

Humans have limited intellect and reasoning

They are not capable of understanding the complex world They simply don’t possess the mental capacity

Therefore Conservatives reject ideologies that came to explain and predict the development of human society instead we must draw on tradition and history to make sense of the world

Question 24

CORE VALUE: human imperfection

Answer 24

Such human imperfection must be kept in check due to the human capacity for evil

Tough stance on law and order is required to deter criminal behaviour

Foreign policy must be based on national security rather than liberal notions of international corporation in harmony — humans will not change

The political system must recognise that self-interest is more powerful than altruism — human behaviour is competitive

Question 25

CORE VALUE: organic society

Answer 25

Humans are dependent and security seeking so we cannot exist separately from society or social groups such as family local community et cetera

Such groups provide us with a sense of security and purpose

also prevents anomie (The lack of social standards and values creates a condition of instability in society)

Question 26

CORE VALUE: organic society

Answer 26

We except the duties and responsibilities that come from belonging to a society such as being respectful caring and considerate

True freedom is excepting these responsibilities without this society would like social cohesion and descend into atomism (Society consisting of self interested and self-sufficient individuals, increases social breakdown and isolation)

Question 27

CORE VALUE: organic society

Answer 27

Society is based on natural needs an instinct rather than a political ideological blueprint

Such needs and instincts include affection security and concern

Society is moulded by natural forces beyond human control

Question 28

CORE VALUE: organic society

Answer 28

The belief in the organic society is underpinned by belief in hierarchy and authority

They play important roles in society and should not be disturbed if they are in society may fail

hierarchy and authority are part of the organicism of society

Question 29

CORE VALUE: organic society

Answer 29

Hierarchy = society is naturally organised in fixed and unequal tiers

a persons social position/status is not based on individual ability

Society is naturally hierarchical partly due to individual differences in talent ability skill and intellect

Also because different classes and groups must perform specific roles within society like different limbs and organs in the body e.g. some provide political leadership of this before manual work others raise children in the home et cetera

Organic society rests on such inequality it is the natural order and is needed for the health of society to continue

Question 30

CORE VALUE: organic society

Answer 30

Conservatives endorse organicism (An organic society/state)

This is the belief that society is a living organism, all of its parts work together in harmony to ensure that is healthy and operates smoothly

Internal elements of society cannot be reconfigured societies like a living creature and is made up of a delicate set of relationships if this careful balance is disturbed society will be undermined and possibly destroyed

Long-standing institutions have played a key role in preserving the health of society and should not be changed or removed

Society is more than a collection of individual elements

Question 31

CORE VALUE: organic society

Answer 31

Authority = People in higher positions in society are best able to make decisions on behalf of other people/society

Authority comes naturally from above it resides with political leaders employees managers et cetera and is apparent in all social institutions

It also rests on an excepted obligation from below to obey this reinforces the hierarchal structure of society

Authority is vital performing a positive function by providing humans with security direction and support

It also promotes social cohesion by giving people a clear sense of where they fitted and what they expected to do as well as providing discipline hierarchy does this too

Question 32

CORE VALUE: organic society

Answer 32

A natural society produces inequality is Conservatives justified this because there is highest in the hierarchy bear the most social responsibilities

EXAMPLE = Employers enjoy higher living standards and their workers and have authority over them but carry the burden of protecting the jobs and economic well-being of their workforces they must also respect their employees

A hierarchical society therefore promotes paternalism to ensure social cohesion

Question 33

CORE VALUE: paternalism

Answer 33

Government by people who are best equipped to lead due to their birth inheritance and upbringing

the Conservative believe in paternalism is linked to their beliefs in hierarchy order and organic society

Question 34

CORE VALUE: paternalism

Answer 34

Paternalism takes two forms soft paternalism those who are the recipients give their consent hard paternalism paternalism is imposed regardless of consent or opposition to it more authoritarian

Question 35

CORE VALUE: paternalism

Answer 35

Traditional Conservatives Believe the natural aristocracy presides over society like a father presides over his family

This social elite provide leadership due to its innate or hereditary abilities they exercise authority ensure protection and provide guidance like a father

They are justified to be in this position due to their wisdom and experience they know what is best for the rest of society

Four example traditionally leaders Were drawn from the Aristocratic elite that had been educated in the values of social obligation and public service such as the Cecil family and the Stanley family (examples of highborn paternalistic Conservative political leaders)

Those at the top of society have a duty to care for the lower social ranks

Example in the 18th and early 19th centuries some Conservative aristocrats acted in a paternalistic manner by improving conditions for the tenants and employees as well as involving themselves in charitable works

Question 36

CORE VALUE: paternalism

Answer 36

One nation paternalism can usually be traced back to Benjamin Disraeli who was prime minister from 1874 to 1880 in his novels Coningsby and Sybil he warned that Britain was dividing into two nations the rich and the poor

This division would increase the likelihood of social revolution

To tackle this Division and prevent revolution he believed that the privileged in society need to recognise their obligations and duties to look after the less privileged

As prime minister he passed a series of limited social reforms to encourage this — Disraeli And one nation conservatives believe in state welfare paternalism which neoliberal Conservatives reject

They would therefore maintain their positions wall alleviating the hardships faced by those below them thus strengthening social cohesion this is a blend of self interest and principle

Question 37

CORE VALUE: paternalism

Answer 37

By the mid 20th century one nation conservatism had a middle way economic approach

Moderate Conservative governments in the 50s and 60s created a middle way between freemarket economics and state planning of the economy, They believed that the free market led to social fragmentation and failed to protect the poorest will state planning stifled individual initiative and entrepreneurial ambitions

The middle way economic policy combined aspects of both e.g. government regulation and freemarket competition Harold MacMillan called this “private enterprise without selfishness”

Question 38

CORE VALUE: paternalism

Answer 38

One nation conservatives believe in government regulation of the economy and social welfare measures to improve conditions for the poorest in society — Neoliberal conservatives disagree with this

E.g. David Cameron drew on paternalism when he called for ‘compassionate conservatism’

Question 39

CORE VALUE: paternalism

Answer 39

One nation conservatives fully accepted that the state had an obligation to intervene in the economy and maintain the welfare state in order to combat poverty — state orientated paternalism

Question 40

CORE VALUE: paternalism

Answer 40

Limits to one nation Conservative paternalism

They wanted to improve conditions for poorer groups largely out of self interest they were principally motivated by desire to strengthen hierarchy by removing and preventing threats to the social order because if they did not look out for the poor these less fortunate groups may gain revolutionary ideas and overthrow the ruling class

Question 41

CORE VALUE: paternalism

Answer 41

Neoliberalism completely reject paternalism

Near liberalism is based partly on freemarket economic’s so aims to reduce the size of the state to allow the unregulated market to generate a more dynamic and efficient economy leading to increased growth and prosperity

Believe that government intervention in the economy or any other form of state control undermines human initiative and enterprise which results in economic stagnation

More faith in and emphasis On the individualism which challenges the Conservative notion of paternalism neoliberals stressed the importance of self help individual responsibility et cetera rejected the idea that we have Responsibility to one another

Question 42

CORE VALUE: paternalism

Answer 42

Negative view on welfare programs and social reforms (key part of one nation paternalism) which create a dependency culture among poorer people and undermine the free market

Welfare programs and social reforms strip individuals of self respect dignity drive and responsibility

Friedrich Hayek argued that dependency culture will lead to a new kind of serfdom

Question 43

CORE VALUE: libertarianism (neoliberal conservative value)

Answer 43

Contrasts to the Conservative value of paternalism

A political philosophy evident in the Conservative thinking since the late 18th century — Commonly known as the liberal New Right or neo liberalism

Emphasises the rights of individuals to liberty/freedom particularly economic freedom strongly emphasises the free market as a natural law that should and could not be altered without damaging prosperity

Advocates minimal state intervention in the lives of individuals the primary role of the state is to protect individual rights state should not dictate our lives or have undue influence

Influenced by Adam Smith’s arguments for economic liberalism

Question 44

CORE VALUE: libertarianism (neoliberal conservative value)

Answer 44

Edmund Burke advocated free trade and a market economy on the grounds that they were efficient just and natural

Largely associated with Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan

Question 45

CORE VALUE: libertarianism (neoliberal conservative value)

Answer 45

Champions the free market economy — opposing state intervention and Keynesian style demand management and welfare programs

The free market is the only mechanism that can efficiently supply goods and services on the basis of consumer demand it is a path to growth and prosperity

Only the market can ultimately determine the natural level of unemployment not the state

Question 46

CORE VALUE: libertarianism (neoliberal conservative value)

Answer 46

Inflation is the biggest threat to the market economy it undermines financial confidence and inhibit economic activity

Government spending cuts to control the money supply should be used to tackle inflation this was used by Thatcher and Reagan in the 1980s

Question 47

CORE VALUE: libertarianism (neoliberal conservative value)

Answer 47

Dismiss the mixed economy and public ownership because they are expensive and inefficient

Government regulation high taxation and trade union influence must be removed so that produces have unrestricted access to key economic resources like capital and labour

Government should create these conditions to facilitate the highest possible levels of production

Neoliberals assume that entrepreneurs and wealth creators can only flourish when freed from such restraints

Question 48

CORE VALUE: libertarianism (neoliberal conservative value)

Answer 48

Heavy emphasis on individual liberty

neoliberals believe the only way to guarantee personal freedom is by rolling back the state especially social welfare programs

Question 49

CORE VALUE: libertarianism (neoliberal conservative value)

Answer 49

Objections to state welfare

Economic — Public services are in officiant and increasingly expensive placing greater burdens of taxpayers

Moral – state welfare creates a dependency culture which involves becoming reliant on state benefits by depriving people of self-respect and undermining their personal initiative and responsibility

In 1944 Friedrich Hayek wrote Road to Serfdom in which he argued that dependency on the state would produce a ”new serfdom”

undermines the institution of family by reducing the drive to create wealth in various generations and eroding parental financial responsibility to children

These were Thatcher’s views and neoliberal concerns of the 1980s

Undermines property rights creating an underclass, no legally acquired wealth including income should be transferred from one person to another without consent, taxation to fund welfare programs is a form of state robbery — Based on an extreme form of individualism that individuals and society do not owe each other anything