organic society / state Flashcards
the concept of organic society and state is fundamental to con thought emphasising that
society and the state develop naturally and cannot be artificially designed or engineered
cons disagree with liberal view that a state and society is designed through rational thought instead they view society as
a living organism that needs to be kept alive
Oakeshott used the analogy of a boat to illustrate this principle he described political activity as akin to
navigating a vessel on sea , emoahssing that governance requires constant adjustment
in the uk this leads to cons opposing the codification of constitution they view the British constitution , unwritten and shaped by tradition as prime example of
an organic political system , flexible , adaptable and deeply embedded
for cons the gradual development of such a system is preferable to any attempt to impose a
rational , designed structure as it respects the accumulated wisdom of the past and the natural growth of societal institutions
traditional cons strongly endorse the concept of organic society , with a deep respect for
tradition and established institutions
the perspective of traditional cons leads them to value and protect long standing institutions like the church and monarchy , seeing them not only as relics of the past but also
vital organs of society that provide continuity stability and a sense of identity
traditional cons argue against dismantling of these institutions in the pursuit of ideological goals belivieing that
such actions can disrupt the balance and harmony of society
traditional cons beliefs is seen in Burkes advocacy for localism and what he called the “little plantoons” of society , Burke meant by this
the smaller communities and associations such as families and local communities that provide individuals with security status and a sense of belonging
traditional cons saw society as a
collection of localised communities
according to traditional cons these “ little plantoons “ are essential to a cohesive society and promoting the idea that
society as a whole is more important that any individual part
one nation cons agree with traditional cons views that society should develop
organically , respecting established traditions and institutions and valuing the role of smaller communities
one nation cons support on for organic society is also clear in their advocacy for a cohesive , patriotic national unit , emphasising
patriotism and the idea of a cohesive society where citizens have more in common than what divides them
ie race gender religion
one nation cons perspective champions a sense of national unity and shared purpose where society is seen as
a collective entity working towards common goals
one nation cons place emphasis on social harmony with a focus on
what unities rather than divides
one nation cons through this view seek to challenge socialists who argue that society is defined by
class oppression and that the working class should revolt and overthrow the bourgeoise who are in power
the new rights view on society differs majority from that that of traditional and one nation cons , for the new right society is less of an organically entity shaped by traditions and relations and more a
collection of individuals pursuing their own intrests brought together in the principle of atomism
new right cons rather than emphasising the organic development of society and the importance of communal bonds and social cohesion , it focuses on promoting
individualism and ensuring the states role is minimised to prevent it from infringing upon individual freedom
new right views can be seen in Rands ‘ the virtue of selfishness ‘ when she argued
” the smallest minority on earth is the individual . those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities “
new right thus don’t support the belief of organic society that the state as a whole is more important than different parts , for the new right
individual are the most important part and the focus of their political beliefs
the new right strongly believe in atomism which is the belief that
society is primarily made up of distinct independent individuals
- very different view to trad or one nation cons
the new right advocates for a minimal state arguing that the best outcomes in society arise when
individuals are free to pursue their own interests with limited government interference .
personal initiative competition and free market are the drivers of progress and prosperity
thatcher , new right , was known for her strong support for an atomistic view of society that centred individuals stating in 1987
” there is not such thing as society ; there are individual men and women , and there are families “
