Political Ideologies Flashcards
History of the term “Ideology”
Refer to a new “science of ideas” that set out to uncover the origins of conscious thought and ideas.
French philosopher who coined the term in 1976
Destutt de Tracy
Political Ideology
To analyze the nature, role and significance of this category of thought, and to reflect on questions such as which sets of political ideas and arguments should be classified as ideologies.
Ideology in social-scientific viewpoint
A more or less coherent set of ideas that provides a basis for organized political action, whether this is intended to preserve, modify, or overthrow the existing system of power relationships.
All ideologies therefore
- Offer an account of the existing order, usually in the form of a worldview
- Provide a model of a desired future, a vision of the Good Society, and
- Outline how the political change can and should be brought about.
Role of Ideas
- It set goals that inspires political activity.
- Also help to shape the nature of political systems.
- Can act as a form of social cement, providing social groups, and indeed whole societies, with a set of unifying beliefs and values.
Political ideas
Are molded by the social and historical circumstances in which they develop and by the political ambitions they serve.
Classical Ideological Traditions
- Liberalism
- Conservatism
- Socialism
- Social Democracy
- Communism & Marxism
- Fascism
- Anarchism
- Feminism
- Post-colonialism
- Ecologism
Liberalism
Political ideology based on the values of individual liberty, equality, and economic freedom.
Liberalism in earliest form
Political doctrine. It reflected the aspirations of rising industrial middle class.
Idea of John Locke
It attacked absolutism and feudal privilege, instead advocating constitutional and, later representative government.
Liberalism in early nineteenth century
a liberal economic creed had developed that extolled the virtues of laissez-faire and condemned all forms of government intervention.
Key Ideas of Liberalism
- Individualism
- Freedom
- Reason
- Toleration
- Consent
- Constitutionalism
Individualism
core principle of liberal ideology; reflects a belief in the supreme importance of human individual.
Freedom
individual freedom or liberty is the core value of liberalism; given priority over, say, equality, justice or authority.
Reason
Inclines them to place their faith in the ability of individuals to make wise judgement on their own behalf.
Equality-individualism
Implies a belief in foundational equality: that is, the belief that individuals are born equal, at least in terms of moral worth.
Toleration
Forbearance; the willingness of people to allow others to think, speak and act in ways of which they disapprove is both a guarantee of individual liberty and a means of social enrichment.
Consent
Authority and social relationships should always be based on consent or willing agreement. Government must be based on the “consent of the governed”
Constitutionalism
Limited government; fragmentation of government power, creation of checks and balances among government institutions, and by the establishment of a codified or ‘written’ constitution embodying a bill of rights that defines the relationship between state and the individual.
Conservatism
(Edmund Burke)This expresses a preference of the old and established social and political order. Its advocates stress the importance of respect for authority, tradition, prescription and continuity.
French Revolution
Middle class revolts against the monarchial system because of the heavy taxation and other form of oppression.
Key ideas of Conservatism
- Tradition
- Pragmatism
- Human Imperfection
- Organicism
- Hierarchy
- Authority
- Property
Tradition
Central theme of conservative thought, closely linked to the perceived virtues of tradition, respect for established customs, and institutions that have endured through time.
Pragmatism
belief that action should be shaped by practical circumstances and practical goals.
Human Imperfection
Pessimistic view in which human beings are limited, dependent, and security-seeking creatures, drawn to the familiar and the tried and tested, and needing to live in stable and orderly communities.
Organicism
Conservatives view society as an organic whole, or living entity. Society is thus structured by natural necessity.
Hierarchy
Gradations of social position and status are natural and inevitable in an organic society.
Authority
Always exercised ‘from above’, providing leadership, guidance and support for those who lack the knowledge, experience or education to act wisely in their own interests.
Property
A vital because it gives people security and measure of independence from government, and it encourages them to respect the law and property of others.