IDEOLOGIES - Conservatism Flashcards
What are the 7 core values of conservatism?
- Tradition
- Human Imperfection
- Authority and hierarchy
- Organic society
- Property
- Pragmatism
- Skepticism and empiricisism
Who are the 5 key conservative thinkers?
- Hobbes (Traditional)
- Burke (Traditional)
- Oakeshott (One nation)
- Nozick (New Right)
- Rand (New Right)
[ALL] Burke quote on tradition:
“The individual is foolish, but the species is wise.”
[ALL] What was Burke’s justification of tradition?
Burke, theorugh his Christianity, believed that society is shaped by the ‘law of our Creator’, or ‘natural law’, and to tamper with it would be to defy God.
[ALL] What is the more modern justification of tradition?
As society has progressed and new traditions, like universal suffrage, have arisen - the justification has become more secular: tradition reflects the accumulated wisdom of the past and all institutions that survive are seen as having stood the test of time, better than the objections of intellectually imperfect individuals.
[ALL] Chesterton quote about tradition:
“Tradition means giving a vote to most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead.”
[ALL] What is the benefit of tradition for society?
Tradition creates a sense of identity, for both the citizen and the nation, creatin social solidarity and integration - change is uncertain so endangers the public good.
[ALL] What are the three ways human nature is imperfect, according to conservatives?
- Intellectually imperfect
- Morally imperfect
- Psychologically imperfect
[ALL] How are humans intellectually imperfect?
Humans have limited intellectual capacity and the world is too complicated for us to grasp fully (‘boundless and bottomless’ (Oakeshott)), so we should reject ideologies that seek change and support hierarchy and authority as individuals themselves cannot see the best solutions, but tradition is empirical and can naturally show us.
[ALL] How are humans psychologically imperfect?
Humans have a need to feel secure and safe, it is one ofour base instincts according to Hobbes, so organicism and patriotism (as well as rejection of multiculturalism) should be adopted to keep society as it is and maintain security.
[ALL] How are humans morally imperfect?
Humans are ultimately greedy and selfish, and constantly seek ‘power after power’, so we require strong law and order and strict moral guidelines to ensure the safety of society.
[NR] How has the New Right disregarded bot traditionalism and pragmatism?
The New Right is, titularly, ‘new’ and radical reforms like the weakening of the welfare state and is based on economically liberal beliefs in rationalism over human imperfection.
[ALL] What is the implication of the Conservative view of human nature on representatives?
Burke believes that representatives should act as trustees, as the public is unable to understand what is best, the representatives should use their special knowledge to govern effectively.
[ALL] What is the traditional conservative belief in hierarchy? How has this changed?
Different classes in society inherit different roles and talents, as such meritocracy is discouraged in lieu of a ‘natural aristocracy’ with ‘the wiser, stronger and more opulent’ at the top (Burke). Although originally Burke was referring to a literal aristocracy, this has been extended to modern society, a disbelief in social equality or mobility, either for workers or things like gender roles.
[ALL] What is the conservative belief in authority in society?
Conservatives believe that authority arises naturally in society from the need of humans to be governed, due to their imperfection; on this basis, authority from the government should be imposed ‘from above’ in the form of paternalism, reflecting the responsibility of parents to nurture, guide, and occassionally punish children as necessary.
[ALL] Disraeli quote about social obligation:
“The palace is not safe when the cottage is not happy.”
[ALL] How did Disraeli add to the belief in obligation?
Disraeli argued that the wealthy have a social obligation, based on their increased privelige, to aid the poor (also known as ‘noblesse oblige’). This was in part due to Disraeli warning of ‘Two Nations’ developing in society, of the rich and poor, that would inevitably lead to revolutions similar to others of the time.
[ALL] What is liberty to conservatives?
Given that humans cannot exist outside of society (due to imperfection), liberty does not take the form of ‘negative freedom’ as people lose security when left alone; rather it takes the form of ‘doing one’s duty’ and accepting social obligation.
[ALL] Outline the belief in organicism.
Conservatives believe that society operates like an organism, where
- The whole is held together by fragild relationships between groups
- Groups can’t just be rearranged, they have a natural location
- The organisation of society is based on natural factors and impulse
[ALL] What are the psychological benefits of property?
Given people are psychologically imperfect, property can act as reassurance in times of uncertainty, that the individual has something to ‘fall back on’.
[ALL] What is the social benefit to property?
Owning property encourages people to respect the property of others and to believe in strong law and order to protect their property against lawlessness, keeping them in line with the conservative doctrine.
[NR] What is the New Right perspective on property?
The New Right believed in creating a ‘property-owning democracy’, through policy like the Right to Buy, whereby people are more invested in the direction of society as they have an active ‘stake’. Additionally, it allows them to better resist state-led incursions.
[ALL] Oakeshott quote on pragmatism:
“Keep the ship afloat at all costs”
[ALL] What was Burke’s perceptions on whether conservatives are ‘resistant to change’?
“A state without the means of some change is without the means of its own conservation.”
[ALL] What is the conservative value of pragmatism?
Conservatives believe, above-all else, that politicians should do what is best for the nation, disregarding ideology and long-term possibilities and should value what they know to be true over what they believe.
[ALL] Give an example of conservative pragmatism.
The 2nd Churchill government did not dismantle to newly-formed, successful and popular welfare state, despite being ideologically opposed.
[ALL] Outline the conservative value of scepticism.
Conservatives are sceptical of most fixed political principles, believing that ideologies should come second to pragmatism.
[ALL] Outline the conservative value of empiricism.
Conservatives, based on their belief in tradition, pragmatism, and scepticism, believe that current actions should be taken on the basis of the experiences of the past, in line with the ‘democracy of the dead’ and Burke’s plea not to believe that the current generation is smarter than the previous.
[ALL] Gilmour quote abour empiricism and scepticism:
“Scepticism and empiricism are the foundations of conservatism”
[TC] What is the origin of traditional conservative thought?
Conservativism arose amid the wild change of the mid-18th century, with revolutions in France and America, as well as growing industrialization, causing great social and economic change. It was also created in a feudal and hierarchical economy, where the aristocracy owned land.
[TC] What is the Traditional conservative view of the economy?
Traditional conservatives strongly opposed state intervention in the economy, with Burke describing Adam Smith’s book as ‘the most important book ever written’ and cautioned the government against inhibiting market forces.
[TC] What was Hobbes’ State of Nature?
Hobbes argues that humans are naturally imoral, seeking ‘power after power’, and that, without a state to enforce law and order and a strict moral doctrine, humans would remain in this ‘state of nature’. Hobbes also argued that the ‘sovereign’ must be autocratic as, with power dispersed, the ‘state of nature’ would be replicated.
[TC] What was Burke’s view on human nature?
Burke originated the idea of human imperfection, using it to critique the utopianism of the French Revolution - instead arguing for pagmatic and empirical approaches to change.
[TC] What was Burke’s view of society?
Burke originated the idea of oganicism and the idea of a ‘natural aristocracy’, arguing that the french revolution ignored the natural state of human organisation and thrust change upon an efficient system. Ultimately he argued it was not the French system of nobility that was the problem, but the failure of French aristocrats to fulfil their social obligations that led to revolution.
[TC] Burke quote on paternalism:
“Nothing turns out to be so oppressive and unjust as a feeble government.”
[TC] What is important to note about Traditional conservatism.
Almost all previously stated key values of conservatism are the values of traditional conservatism, with the later beliefs changing.
[ON] What did Disraeli say about capitalism?
Disraeli argued that capitalism was promoting individualism at the expense of social obligation; as well as this, it was dividing the country into ‘two nations’: the prosperous few, and the many poor - Disraeli argued that the role of the conservative is to create ‘one nation’ by focussing on the welfare of all classes.
[ON] What were Disraeli’s 4 main forces of uniting the ‘two nations’?
- Constitutional unity of the UK (no inpendence)
- The Maintenance of great traditions
- The encouragement of patriotism
- The provision of welfare to prevent excessive inequality
[ON] What was the one nation perspective on pragmatism?
One nation-ers agreed that pragmatism was key to governance, with Disraeli’s belief in welfare to avoid a revolution at the core of this and demonstrated by the Heath government’s U-turn on free-market capitalism in the 70’s.
[ON] How was Disraeli’s style of paternalism different?
One nation-ers could not adopt the perpective that they know what is best, existing in a democracy and having to convince the people of their vision - instead, they adopted the perspective that the government was there to support the people rather than rule them.
[ON] How did One nation-ers agree with human imperfection?
Its evident in all their philosophies:
- Belief in patriotism and organicism reflects psychological imperfection and the need for security
- Belief in pragmatism and paternalism reflect intellectual imperfection reflects the oppositin to doctrine
- Belief in order reflects moral imperfection and the need for moral guidance by the ruling class
[ON] What was Oakeshott most known for?
Oakeshot was a staunch advocate of pragmatism and the belief that humans can’t possibly understand the ‘complexity of reality’ and thatwe should focus on the ‘art of the possible’ based on empircism and pragmatism - with his ‘nautical metaphor’ saying the job of the government is ‘keeping the ship afloat at all costs… and not fixating on a port that may not exist.’
[ON] What was Oakeshott’s view on human nature?
Oakeshott had a more positive perspective, arguing that we are ‘fallible but not terrible’ and that, though utopia is impossible, we can gain pleasure and fulfillment from the ‘humdrum business of everyday life’.
[NR] What did Friedman say in ‘Capitalism and Freedom’?
The rise of socialist thinking has led to excessive interference in the market, stifling progress, entrepries, and individual freedom - the loss of economic freedom wil ultimately lead to the loss of political freedom.
[NR] What did Hayek say in ‘The Road to Serfdom’?
The inevitable result of socialism is totalitarianism, with the growing role of the state and organisations like trade unions as vehicles - its ultimate form achieved in the USSR.
[NR] How did Nozick influence the New Right?
Nozick, a quasi-anarcho-capitalist, advocated strongly against a large state, with many politicians at the time adopting similar policies, such as Thatcher’s policies of ‘rolling back the frontiers of the state’.
[NR] What is the philosophy of neoliberalism?
The idea that, through lower state intervention in the forms of taxation, nationalisation, regulation, and more, individual freedoms will be at their peak and the internal mechanics of the market will lead to a prosperous and vibrant economy.
[NR] What is populism?
Populism is a philosophy that centres on the ability of individuals to ‘pull themselves up by their bootstraps’; as an extension, they are suspicious of the power of the state and personal and corporate tax, and are intensely nationalistic. These formed the bedrock of Thatcher’s support.
[NR] What is the philosophy of neoconservatism?
A philosophy that stressed the restoration of authority, national identity, and a society informed by Judaeo-Christian morality. This will be achieved through ‘tough-on-crime’ politics, stronger nation defence, a less tolerant approach to immigration and general anti-permissive social policies’.
[NR] What is the conflict within the New Right?
Neoliberalism v. Neoconservatism
- Less state v. More state
- More individual liberty v. Less for order and authority
- No opinion on immigration v. AAAAAAAHHHHH IMMIGRATION
- Minimise government spending v. More to ensure security
[NR] What did Rand see immigration as?
A natural side effects of free market and individual choice?
[NR] What is the New Right’s view on pragmatism?
The New Right takes on an entirely ideological perspective, refusing all pragmatism in favour of the philosophies of people like Ayn Rand, who advocated for the complete seperation of the state and market ‘for the same reasons as the seperation of the state and church’.
[NR] How do the New Right agree with other branches of conservatism over tradition?
Both believe, on some level, in the need for tradition within society - with Thatcher advocating for ‘Victorian values’ and agains things like abortion and homosexuality.
[NR] How do the New Right disagree with other branches of conservatism over tradition?
The New Right believed in radical change in the forms of free-market economics and social authoritarianism, with Rand calling herself a ‘radical for capitalism’. This is counter to the traditional respect for the past and institutions which have stood the test of time.
[NR] What is the Neoliberal view on organicism?
Neoliberals are wildly individualistic, rejecting any notion of society being bound together (Nozick arguing that ‘There are only individual people with their individual lives’) or that they should look after the less well-off (Nozick calling the welfare state ‘legalised theft’). Additionally they believe in meritocracy and self-help over hierarchy.
[NR] What is the Neoconservative view on organicism?
Neoconservatives believe strongly in the idea of ‘society’, with Thatcher attempting to reinvigorate the traditional nuclear family and believing in a shcare culture and morality within society.
[NR] How is the New Right both paternalistic and not?
The hold the belief that the public is not capable of understanding what is best for society and requires the imposition of certain values to be good, with permissive social values having replaced family values. However, they can also be consodered more authoritarian given the little care they put into the effects of their policy.
[NR] What is the conflict within the New Right over human nature?
- Neoliberalism is founded on the belief in rationalism, with Rand as a vigorous defender of the virtues of selfishness and how it can aid in life as a quest for excellence.
- Neoconservatism views humans as imperfect and requiring authority to guide them, both to stop immorality and to stop moral pluralism which weakens social cohesion
[NR] What was the central theme of Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged’?
At the core of successful societies is talented individuals, rather than active governments and the absence of the former cannot be solved by the latter.
[NR] Why was Rand associated with atomism?
Rand was a fierce libertarian, advocating for ‘objectivism’ (the belief that we should be guided by self-interest) in The Virtues of Selfishness and believing in the philosophy of atomism, such that society does not exist but is a loose collection of independent individuals.
[NR] What was the view of Nozick on the state?
As a libertarian, Nozick believed in a Minarchist state that should let people be ‘left alone’ not just in the economuc sphere, but the social and cultural spheres too - an idea clashing with social conservatism.
[NR] What was Nozick’s view on human nature?
Although Nozick had a very postive perspective of human nature, seeing us as the sole authors of our talents and with the capability to grow them (and, as such, ‘tax, for the most part, is theft’), he did argue that the preservation of life, liberty and property ‘could not be take for granted’ without some formal authority enforcing it.
Give 1 way Conservatives agree over the role of the state, giving thinkers.
Need for state to base practice in tradition
- Chesterton: “democracy of the dead”
- Thatcher (New Right): traditional social value
(Linked to belief in tradition, both religious and non-)
Give 2 ways Conservatives disagree over the role of the state, giving thinkers.
Need for pragmatism?
Oakeshott (one nation): “to keep the ship afloat at all costs”
Thatcher (New Right): more ideological, defunded the NHS, based on Nozick’s dislike of the welfare state
(wider disagreement about pragmatism and the quality of ideology)
Internal disagreement within the New Right about the size of the state
Nozick (neoliberal): ‘roll back the frontiers of the state’ for individual liberties,
Thatcher (neoconservative): larger state to ensure order and tradition, Section 28 and backing of police against all forms of protest and disorder
(Disagreement about human imperfection v. rationalism)
Give 1 way Conservatives agree over human nature, giving thinkers.
Humans as imperfect and the necessity of paternalism
Hobbes (Traditional): state of chaos and ‘power after power’
New Right: need for strict moral values
(discuss types of imperfection)
Give 2 ways Conservatives disagree over human nature, giving thinkers.
Do people seek order or freedom?
Hobbes (traditional): psychological imperfection
Nozick (neoliberal): libertarianism and the want to be ‘left alone’.
(wider disagreement on human imperfection)
Internal disagreement within the New Right about how individualistic we are
Rand (Neoliberal): atomism and “There are only individual people with their individual lives.”
Neoconservatism: need for patriotism and cohesive social values
(New Right Paradox, link to effect of Thatcher policy)
Give 1 way Conservatives agree over society, giving thinkers.
Need for traditional society that should not be disrupted
Chesterton (Traditional): “Democracy of the dead”
Thatcher (New Right): ‘Victorian values’ and the promotion of tradiotional family structures, such as with the defunding of the welfare state
(link to tradition, both religious and non-)
Give 2 ways Conservatives disagree over society, giving thinkers.
The person as part of society vs. seperate
Disraeli (one nation): organic society
Rand: atomism and “There are only individual people with their individual lives.”
(Wider disagreement on organic society)
Internal disagreement within the New Right about level of freedom for individuals within society
Nozick (Neoliberal): libertarianism and a liberal ‘permissive’ society where people are ‘left alone’
Kristol and Scruton (Neoconservative): imposition of a strict moral code
(wider disagreement on human imperfection)
Give 1 way Conservatives agree over the economy, giving thinkers.
Importance of private property
All: property as having psychological (identity) and social benefits (stake in society)
Thatcher (New Right): ‘Right to Buy’ and the creation of a ‘property-owning democracy’
Give 2 ways Conservatives disagree over the economy, giving thinkers.
Pragmatism or ideology
Oakeshott (one nation): take what works, “keep the ship afloat.”
Rand (New Right): Neoliberal belief in the free market
(Disagreement on pragmatism, link to Heath’s U-turn in the 70’s)
Welfare
Disraeli (One nation): noblesse oblige and the need to avoid further divisions between the ‘two nations.’
Rand (New Right): ‘dependency culture’
(Disagreement on society (individualism))
