Q2 (b) Primary Claims and Values

Question 1

The primary claims and values of conservatism include tradition, human imperfection, organic society, hierarchy and authority, and property.

Answer 1

The defense of tradition is the chief thesis of conservatism. It is a respect to the tried and tested values and institutions that have continued over time, being passed on from generation to generation, and preserved for the benefit of the living and those to come. Furthermore, tradition encompasses familiar customs and social practices that generate a sense of belonging and security for individuals thus creating societal cohesion.

Question 2

Conservatives argue that humans are imperfect and fear isolation and instability. This makes them dependent on the need to belong and thus creates an organic society where the individual is belonging of a social group that provides them with security and meaning.

Answer 2

Conservatives believe that organic society is naturally unequal consisting of a natural order of hierarchy and authority. Equality, therefore, is achievable and status, power and property are consistently distributed unequally.

Question 3

They believe that authority is natural and necessary benefiting individuals by providing guidance, support, security and a knowing of what is expected. Conservatives do not attest to abuses of authority and do not believe that because a parent has authority over a child, for example, this does not mean they have the power to abuse that child.

Answer 3

Property is an economic incentive that conservatives believe gives individuals a sense of ownership which leads to protection and security.

Question 4

Traditional conservatism aims to conserve and defend established institutions believing that they provide security, stability and belonging to individuals and society as a whole.

Answer 4

The New Right of conservatism has liberal tendencies believing in a strong minimal state, economic liberalism and social authoritarianism.