Conservatism

Question 1

What are the 6 core ideas of conservatism

Answer 1

Pragmatism, Tradition, Human imperfection, Organic Society, Paternalism, Liberty

Question 2

What is pragmatism

Answer 2

Seeking practical solutions rather than seeking ideology or ideal outcomes. Preferring ‘what works’ over major changes.

Question 3

What is Tradition

Answer 3

Believing that society is more likely to remain secure if we maintain the institutions and cultural norms of the past. This could include monarchy, Church, religious attitudes, etc

Question 4

What is human imperfection?

Answer 4

Conservatives have a pessimistic view of human nature and believe we are prone to make bad decisions. Utopian ideas won’t work because human being are flawed.

Question 5

Organic Society

Answer 5

Society grows and changes SLOWLY over time. There is also a natural hierachy. Radical change would prevent society from functioning properly.

Question 6

Paternalism

Answer 6

Members of the elite hould govern in the interests of those below them (like a kind father) providing guidance, rules, boundaries, and (where necessary) punishments.

Question 7

What does Liberty mean for conservatives?

Answer 7

Preferring a small state and free markets. This is particularly true of the New Right.

Question 8

What are the strands in conservatism?

Answer 8

Traditional, One-Nation, New Right

Question 9

What do traditional conservatives believe?

Answer 9

This strand believes in tradition, importance of national institutions, patriotism, Hierachy & Natural Aristocracy, Slow organic change and a pessimistic view of human nature.

Question 10

How did Traditional conservatism begin?

Answer 10

A reaction against liberalism and political change in Europe in 18th Century. Often seen as the ideology of the aristocracy.

Question 11

Which key thinker is often linked with Traditional Conservatism?

Answer 11

Edmund Burke is often linked with this strand.

Question 12

How did One-nation conservatism begin?

Answer 12

This strand developed as a reaction against socialism and the unrest caused by the industrial revolution. It was headed by Disraeli who talked about two groups (rich and poor) who needed to become ‘one-nation’.

Question 13

What do One-nation conservatives believe?

Answer 13

This strand developed the ideas of Paternalism to include a greater focus on Noblesse Oblige. It still believe in maintaining traditional institutions but has a greater emphasis on social reforms to help the least well off.

Question 14

When was one-nation conservatism dominant?

Answer 14

From the time of Disraeli all the way into the post-war period (the post-war consensus). This includes MacMillan, Heath and others. Ended by Thatcher.
Some conservatives today still describe themselves as ‘one-nation’ Tories.

Question 15

Which thinker should be associate with One-nation conservatism

Answer 15

The best thinker to associate with this strand is Disraeli (but remember he isn’t an official key thinker)

Question 16

How did the New Right begin?

Answer 16

It was a response to the economic troubles of the 60s and 70s. Some believed that keynesian economics was failing and producing STAGFLATION.

Question 17

What does the New Right believe?

Answer 17

It is a combination of Neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism. It often combines classical liberal economics (laissez-faire) with conservative ideas on law and order, tradition and patriotism.

Question 18

Which key thinkers would we associate with the New Right

Answer 18

The two key thinkers for this strand are Ayn Rand, Robert Nozick. From a political viewpoint, you could also include Thatcher, Reagan, Truss and other modern conservatives.

Question 19

How was the New Right different to other forms of conservatism?

Answer 19

Whereas the other strands stressed the importance of the organic society and the links between the community, this new strand focussed on atomism and individualism.

Question 20

What are the key concepts and key work of Thomas Hobbes

Answer 20

Key concepts - Social contract, Power struggles, state of nature.
Key work - Leviathan

Question 21

What are two quotes from Thomas Hobbes that we can use for human nature and society?

Answer 21

“The condition of man… is a condition of war of everyone against everyone”
“Life is nasty, brutal and short”

Question 22

What did Hobbes believe

Answer 22

Hobbes believed that in the ‘state of nature’ humans would compete and fight. Therefore he had a pessimistic view of humanity.
He used this as a way to justify a social contract - giving up freedoms in return for the protection of the state.
He was heavily influenced by the problems caused by the English Civil War.

Question 23

What is the ‘state of nature’

Answer 23

It is a theoretical concept discussed by both Hobbes (conservatism) and Locke (Liberalism). It asks us to imagine a time before any governments and think about what our natural human nature would produce in terms of a society.

Question 24

What is the social contract?

Answer 24

It is a theoretical concept discussed by both Hobbes (conservatism) and Locke (Liberalism). It argues that humans have voluntarily given up some of their freedoms in return for the protections provided by a government.

Question 25

What was the key concepts and key work of Edmund Burke.

Answer 25

Key concepts - Eternal Society, Natural Hierachy, Forms of representation, Noblesse Oblige,
Key work - Reflections on the revolution in France

Question 26

What key quote from Burke shows the importance he places on traditions?

Answer 26

“Society is but a contract between the dead, the living and those yet to be born”

Question 27

What influenced the ideas of Burke?

Answer 27

He had seen the violent revolution in France (Les Miserables!) and believed that revolution and instability was catastrophic for a country.
He argued that revolutions ignore the social bonds that keep people together- change should be slow and organic.

Question 28

What did Burke Believe?

Answer 28

Change to conserve. Slow and cautious change that protects society.
Equality is not as important as hierachy and tradition.
Humans are imperfect and often irrational.
Elite members of society should use their judgement to make decisions in the national interest (trustee model of representation)

Question 29

What are the three models of representation?

Answer 29

Delegate - MPs should make decisions on behalf of their constituents
Trustree - MPs should make decisions using their own judgement and wisdom
Party - MPs should make decisions on the basis of the party they belong to.

Question 30

What are Michael Oakeshotts key concepts and key work?

Answer 30

Key concepts - The conservative disposition (To be emperical)
Pragmatism

Key work - On being conservative

Question 31

What key analogies did Michael Oakeshott use?

Answer 31

The boat on the sea - the state should focus on keeping the boat afloat, not heading towards a destination. (this was a critique of ideology).
The Chef - Should focus on experience and tried and tested methods rather than experimenting with new recipe books. (This was an argument for emperical methods and against ideological ideas)

Question 32

What did Michael Oakeshott believe?

Answer 32

He believed that conservatism is pragmatic?
He argued that conservatives “prefer the familiar to the known, prefer the tried to the untried, the actual to the possible”
Conservatism should not strive to achieve a perfect society, but make the best of society as it is.

Question 33

Who was Ayn Rand?

Answer 33

She fled from Russia (communism) during the revolution and spend the rest of her life as an author and political thinker who argued for rational self-interest.

Question 34

What were Ayn Rands key concepts and key work?

Answer 34

Key concepts - Atomism, critique of altruism, economic freedom, rational egoism.
Key work - Atlas Shrugged

Question 35

What key quote from Ayn Rand demonstrates her believe in rational self-interest?

Answer 35

“If any civilisation is to survive, it is the morality of alturism that men have to reject”

Question 36

What did Ayn Rand believe?

Answer 36

This key thinker believed that it was morally good to be selfish as this created a better society and prevented dependency culture.
She was against collectivism and state interference - preferring laissez-faire free-market capitalism.

Question 37

Who was Robert Nozick

Answer 37

This thinker was a right-wing academic who worked alongside John Rawls. He wrote his book as a critique of modern liberalism, instead arguing for liberty, minimal state and justice.

Question 38

What were Nozicks key concepts and key work?

Answer 38

Key concepts - Natural Justice, Taxation as theft.

Question 39

What quote from Nozick demonstrated his views about government?

Answer 39

“No state more extensive than the minimal state can be justified”

Question 40

What did Nozick believe?

Answer 40

This thinker was a right-wing libertarian. This means he believed in an extreme version of freedom where the individual soverign and the state should have as little influence over them as possible.
The only role for the state is protection of property and contracts.
Taxation is ‘legalised theft.
He disagreed with Rawls about Justice. He thought Justice was about letting people keep what they earned and letting them persue their own interests.

Question 41

What areas of agreement do the 3 strands of conservatism have regarding human nature?

Answer 41

Recognition of Human Imperfection:
All three strands generally agree on the recognition of human imperfection and the potential for individuals to act in self-interest or display morally questionable behavior.

Importance of Social Order:
There is a shared emphasis on the importance of social order and stability to mitigate the potential negative aspects of human nature.

Cautious Approach to Change:
Traditional, one-nation, and new right conservatives tend to be cautious about rapid social or cultural change, reflecting a common concern for preserving what they see as valuable in society.

Question 42

How might the 3 strands of conservatism disagree regarding human nature?

Answer 42

Optimism vs. Pessimism:
Traditional conservatives may lean towards a more pessimistic view of human nature, emphasizing the need for strong authority and traditional values to restrain innate human flaws.
One-nation conservatives might take a more balanced view, acknowledging flaws but also expressing optimism about the potential for positive social outcomes through state intervention.
The new right may be more optimistic about human potential in a free-market context, believing that individual self-interest, when channeled through market mechanisms, can lead to positive outcomes.

Role of the State:
Traditional conservatives may see a stronger role for the state in enforcing moral values and maintaining social order.
One-nation conservatives may accept a more interventionist role for the state in addressing social inequalities and promoting social cohesion.
The new right tends to favor limited government intervention, relying on free-market forces to shape behavior and address social issues.

Approaches to Inequality:
Traditional and one-nation conservatives may be more open to addressing social inequalities through state intervention, considering it a means to mitigate the negative aspects of human nature.
The new right may prefer market-based solutions, believing that individual initiative and market forces can provide a more efficient and effective approach to addressing societal challenges.

Question 43

What areas of agreement might the 3 strands of conservatism have in regards to society?

Answer 43

Emphasis on Social Order and Stability:

All three strands agree on the crucial role of social order in society. Traditional, one-nation, and new right conservatives recognize that a stable and orderly society is essential for the well-being of its members (link to society: Stability fosters a conducive environment for individuals to thrive).
Value of Established Traditions:

There is common ground in the appreciation of established traditions and institutions. Traditional conservatives, one-nation conservatives, and the new right all acknowledge the importance of traditions in shaping and preserving societal values (link to society: Traditions contribute to the cultural fabric and identity of a society).
Skepticism towards Utopianism:

The three strands share a skepticism towards utopian visions. They recognize the limitations of societal engineering and the importance of realistic expectations when it comes to social structures (link to society: Pragmatism is crucial in addressing societal challenges to avoid unrealistic and potentially harmful experiments).

Question 44

What areas of disagreement might the three strands of conservatism have in regards to society?

Answer 44

Role of the State in Society:
Traditional conservatives may advocate for a more significant role of the state in enforcing moral values and maintaining social order within society (link to society: Strong state authority is seen as a guardian of societal morals and values).
One-nation conservatives may support a more interventionist role for the state to address social inequalities and promote cohesion (link to society: State intervention is seen as a tool to foster a more cohesive and inclusive society).
The new right tends to favor limited government intervention, relying on free-market forces to shape behavior and address social issues (link to society: A belief in market mechanisms guiding societal outcomes).

Optimism vs. Pessimism about Society:
Traditional conservatives may lean towards a more pessimistic view of society, emphasizing the need for strong authority and tradition to restrain potential societal decay (link to society: A cautious approach is necessary to prevent the breakdown of social norms and values).
One-nation conservatives might take a more balanced view, acknowledging societal flaws but expressing optimism about positive social outcomes through state intervention (link to society: State involvement can lead to positive social change and address societal issues).
The new right may be more optimistic about societal potential in a free-market context, believing that individual self-interest and market mechanisms can lead to positive outcomes (link to society: Trust in individual initiative and market dynamics to drive societal progress).

Approaches to Addressing Inequality in Society:
Traditional and one-nation conservatives may be more open to addressing social inequalities through state intervention, considering it a means to maintain social harmony and justice within society (link to society: Addressing inequalities is viewed as essential for a just and harmonious societal structure).
The new right may prefer market-based solutions, relying on individual initiative and market forces to address societal challenges like inequality (link to society: A belief in market efficiency and individual responsibility in addressing societal issues).

Question 45

What areas of agreement might the 3 strands of conservatism have in regards to the state?

Answer 45

Role of the State in Maintaining Order:

All three strands agree on the importance of the state in maintaining order within society. Traditional, one-nation, and new right conservatives recognize the state’s role as a crucial institution for upholding law and order (link to the state: The state serves as a key authority to preserve social stability).
Value of Authority and Governance:

There is a shared emphasis on the value of authority and governance. Traditional conservatives, one-nation conservatives, and the new right all acknowledge the need for a structured and authoritative state to provide governance and direction (link to the state: A well-structured state is essential for effective governance).
Skepticism towards Excessive State Power:

The three strands express skepticism towards excessive state power. While they agree on the necessity of the state, they also caution against the concentration of power, emphasizing the importance of limiting state intervention (link to the state: Caution is warranted to prevent an overbearing state that may infringe on individual liberties).

Question 46

What areas of disagreement might the three strands of conservatism have in regards to the state?

Answer 46

Extent of State Intervention:

Traditional conservatives may support a more significant role for the state in enforcing moral values, preserving traditional norms, and maintaining social order. They may also see advantages in an aristocratic ruling class. (link to the state: A strong state is seen as a guardian of societal morals).
One-nation conservatives may advocate for a more interventionist state, particularly in addressing social inequalities and promoting social cohesion (link to the state: State intervention is viewed as necessary for societal harmony and justice).
The new right tends to favor limited government intervention, relying on free-market forces to shape behavior and address social issues. They also may favour a meritocracy with no natural right to rule from the upper classes. (link to the state: Limited state interference allows market dynamics to guide societal outcomes).

Optimism vs. Pessimism about State Efficacy:

Traditional conservatives may express skepticism about the state’s ability to solve all societal problems and may have a more cautious view about relying on state power (link to the state: A realistic assessment of the state’s limitations is crucial).
One-nation conservatives might believe in the efficacy of state intervention to address social issues and promote positive outcomes (link to the state: State involvement can lead to positive social change and address societal issues).
The new right may be more optimistic about the ability of market forces, as opposed to state intervention, to bring about positive societal outcomes (link to the state: Trust in individual initiative and market dynamics to drive societal progress).

Approaches to Economic Policy:

Traditional and one-nation conservatives may be more open to state involvement in economic policies, especially in areas related to social welfare and addressing economic disparities (link to the state: State intervention is seen as a tool to address economic inequalities).
The new right prefers market-based solutions, emphasizing the importance of limited state interference and relying on free-market mechanisms (link to the state: A belief in market efficiency and limited state involvement in economic affairs).

Question 47

What areas of agreement might the 3 strands of conservatism have in regards to the economy?

Answer 47

Emphasis on Economic Stability:

All three strands of conservatism generally agree on the importance of economic stability. Traditional, one-nation, and new right conservatives recognize that a stable economy is crucial for the overall well-being of society (link to economy: Economic stability fosters a conducive environment for prosperity and individual success).

Value of Free Market Principles:

There is SOME common ground in the value placed on free-market principles. While there may be variations in emphasis, traditional conservatives, one-nation conservatives, tend to be in favour of keynesian style economics. (link to economy: Embracing some free-market principles is seen as a means to promote economic efficiency and growth).

Promotion of Individual Initiative:

The three strands emphasize the importance of individual initiative in the economy. They generally agree that allowing individuals the freedom to pursue their economic interests fosters innovation and prosperity (link to economy: Individual initiative is seen as a driver of economic growth and progress).

Question 48

What areas of disagreement might the three strands of conservatism have in regards to the economy?

Answer 48

Degree of State Intervention in the Economy:

Traditional conservatives may be more open to state intervention in the economy, particularly to ensure moral and social values are maintained (link to economy: Some state intervention is accepted to align economic activities with societal values).
One-nation conservatives may support selective state intervention to address economic inequalities and ensure the well-being of all members of society (link to economy: State intervention is considered necessary to mitigate economic disparities and promote social cohesion).
The new right tends to favor limited government intervention, relying more on free-market mechanisms and viewing state involvement with skepticism (link to economy: A preference for minimal state interference, trusting market forces to drive economic outcomes).

Approaches to Economic Inequality:

Traditional and one-nation conservatives may be more open to addressing economic inequalities through state intervention or social policies (link to economy: Some degree of state involvement is acceptable to address economic disparities and promote a fairer distribution of resources).
The new right may emphasize market-based solutions, believing that a free-market system can address economic inequalities more efficiently (link to economy: Trust in market mechanisms to naturally address economic disparities).

Role of the State in Regulating Markets:

Traditional conservatives may see a role for the state in regulating markets to ensure ethical behavior and prevent exploitation (link to economy: Some regulatory oversight is accepted to maintain ethical standards and prevent market abuses).
One-nation conservatives may support state regulations to ensure that markets contribute to social cohesion and the common good (link to economy: Regulations are viewed as necessary to align economic activities with societal goals).
The new right may advocate for minimal state regulation, trusting that market forces will naturally lead to ethical behavior and efficiency (link to economy: A preference for limited state interference, trusting market self-regulation).