ideology Flashcards
what is ideology?
-systematic and comprehensive set of ideas and beliefs about politics, encompassing two key types of statements:
1. Empirical (descriptive): Statements about what is—analyzing political, social, or economic realities.
2. Prescriptive (normative): Statements about what ought to be—offering visions for an ideal society or political arrangement.
what are the 4 key component of ideology?
- Explanation: Ideologies help interpret and explain complex political and social realities. EX: liberalism explains inequality through individual freedom and responsibility.
- Evaluation: ideologies provide criteria for judging political systems, actions, or policies as just, effective, or legitimate.
- Orientation: give people a sense of identity and direction within the political world, guiding how they perceive their role and goals.
- Action: inspire collective political action, such as voting patterns, protests, or revolution.
how does ideology fit in PS?
-complicate the work of political sc bcs operates on both normative and non-normative levels:
1/ Political Ideology (Normative and Non-Normative):
…Normative Aspect: Ideologies often prescribe what ought to be.
…Non-Normative Aspect: At the same time, political ideologies describe and explain the existing political landscape (e.g., conservatism explains the persistence of traditional institutions).
2/ Theories of Ideology (Non-Normative):
Theories of ideology focus on analyzing and understanding ideologies objectively, without endorsing any particular normative position.
explain what is the theories of ideology
it examines how ideologies shape political systems and behaviors;
how ideologies serve as tools for maintaining power or challenging authority;
The historical evolution and social functions of ideologies (e.g., Marxism as a critique of dominant ideologies).
what is the main feature of conservativism and what make the def vary?
the desire to conserve something, but the key issue is “what to preserve?” The answer varies across historical and cultural contexts: Burke, 19th c.; 20th c.; nowadays
What is the first key Historical and Ideological Developments in Conservatism
The Conservatism of Edmund Burke, founder of conservativism (18th)
- def conservativism= rooted in tradition, gradual change, and skepticism toward radical reform.
-Organic Society: Burke viewed society as a living organism, where institutions and traditions evolve naturally over time, so not just a collection of individuals but an interconnected whole where Individuals have a duty to preserve and adapt traditions for the benefit of future generations.
-Ordered Liberty: Freedom is meaningful only when it is properly ordered within the framework of laws and institutions that maintain social stability.
Unchecked liberty, leads to chaos
-Representative Government: Burke supported a system of representative government, which balances societal interests while respecting traditions.
Change should occur through reform (a gradual process ensuring continuity with the past).
what is the second key Historical and Ideological Developments in Conservatism
Nineteenth Century Conservatism:
-Reactionaries: they resisted modern developments like democracy and industrialization, seeking to restore traditional hierarchies (e.g., monarchy, aristocracy, and the church).
=/ liberal ideals of individual rights and equality.
-Cultural Conservatism: Focused on preserving cultural heritage, values, and national identity in the face of modernization and globalization.
Emphasized the importance of religion, family, and local communities as anchors of stability.
what is the third key Historical and Ideological Developments in Conservatism
Conservatism in the Twentieth Century:
-Conservatism versus Mass Society: Mass society was seen as a threat to individuality, traditional values, and social hierarchy.
-> critical of the rise of mass media, populist movements, and centralized governance.
-Opposition to Levelling (uniforme, egalitaire): Conservatism opposed the levelling tendencies of socialism and mass democracy, which sought to reduce economic and social inequalities.
-> defended hierarchical structures as natural and necessary for societal order.
what is the last key Historical and Ideological Developments in Conservatism
Conservatism Today: fragmented, reflecting diverse responses to contemporary challenges.
-Individual Conservatism: Focuses on personal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.
-> protecting individual liberties within a framework of traditional values.
-Neo-Conservatism: A more interventionist strand, often associated with a focus on promoting democracy abroad and preserving moral and cultural values at home.
-> tied to debates about foreign policy, national security, and the role of religion in public life.
what are the core ideas of liberalism
-Rational Individuals: People are capable of logical thought and decision-making.
-Individual Freedom: Personal liberty is regarded as the most valuable asset.
-Positive View of Human Nature: Liberals believe in humanity’s potential for progress and improvement.
-Progressive Outlook: Strong belief in the ability to change society for the better through reason and reform.
what are the three schools of liberalism?
Predecessors, Liberals avant la lettre, Embedded liberalism
explain the school predecessors (abt liberalism)
The Physiocrats (ex François Quesnay):
Advocated for
- economic freedom
- the idea of natural order in economic processes.
Their Tableau Économique modeled economic flow, promoting policies of “laissez-faire, laissez-passer” emphasizing minimal government interference.
explain the school liberals avant la lettre (abt liberalism)
-Adam Smith: free markets and the “invisible hand” that guides individual self-interest toward collective prosperity.
-David Ricardo: Developed theories on comparative advantage, emphasizing the benefits of free trade.
-Thomas Malthus: Focused on population growth and its economic implications, cautioning against unchecked expansion.
-John Stuart Mill: Expanded liberalism to include social progress and individual freedoms balanced by societal responsibilities.
explain the school Embedded liberalism (abt liberalism)
-Keynes: Criticized unfettered markets, advocating for a managed economy where the government intervenes to stabilize markets and reduce inequality.
-The Bretton Woods System: system reflected embedded liberalism, blending free trade with mechanisms for economic stability, such as fixed exchange rates and institutions like the IMF and World Bank
explain the ideology christian democracy
-hybrid ideology: blends aspects of liberalism, socialism, and conservatism
-core principles:
1. Natural Law: belief in universal moral principles derived from a divine or natural order.
2. Family, Church, and Community: Prioritizes the importance of intermediate social institutions over the state or the individual.
3. Protection of the Vulnerable: Advocates for policies that safeguard marginalized groups, reflecting Christian values of compassion and care.
4. Harmony and Consultation: Promotes collaboration and consensus-building in politics.
5. Subsidiarity: Decisions should be made at the lowest possible level, empowering local communities while avoiding unnecessary centralization.
