Tebsions Within Conservatism

Question 1

What are the conflicts over human nature?

Answer 1

Burke and Oakeshott take a sceptical view on human nature. However, new right thinkers take a more optimistic view Such as Nozick and Rand emphasising the possibilities of the individual

Question 2

What are the conflicts over society?

Answer 2

Traditional conservatives see society as “little platoons” over seen by a paternalistic structure - these little platoons are seen as organic. But new right believe that society is a mere collection of atomised individuals seeking self-determination.

New right prefer a meritocratic rather than an aristocratic

Question 3

What are the conflicts over the state?

Answer 3

Traditional conservatives such as Burke defend a state where power is held by those “born to rule” (ruling class) , traditional conservatives are pragmatic about the extent of the state and are prepared to enlarge it in the name of “one nation”. Whereas New right wish to “roll back the frontiers of the state” - fearing a aristocracy ruling

Question 4

What are the conflicts over the economy?

Answer 4

Traditional conservatives defend an economy based on private property, sceptical of free market capitalism because the inequality at fuel a socialist movement. - Keynesian economics
New right conservatives such as Nozick advocate free market economics