3. What are the core ideas and principles of conservatism Part 2

Question 1

what do conservatives think about the organic society

Answer 1

• Conservatives see society as like a living organism, which depends on healthy relationships between the different parts, which perform different, but equally important, functions
• The brain and the heart do very different jobs, but, for the organism to thrive, both must perform effectively together
• Just as the heart cannot do the job of the brain, so too might those born into a working role be less suited to lead than those born into the position

Question 2

in terms of paternalism what did conservatives think about the natural aristocracy

Answer 2

• Individuals best suited to lead the country – due to their birth, inheritance, upbringing and education
• Not because they ae naturally more gifted than others – people are born quite equal – but also quite equally flawed

Question 3

in terms of paternalism what did conservatives think about those born into the upper class

Answer 3

Burke argued that those born into the upper classes…
- Who received the best available education
- Who had the leisure time needed to think and study
- Who learned the manners and duties expected of rulers
…were best able to overcome human shortcomings and rule the country in the national interest

Question 4

what do conservatives think about conservatism

Answer 4

Paternalism:
- Just as parents have authority, provide protection, and make decisions for their young, naïve, children so too should society’s elites direct the rest of society, taking decisions in the national interest with or without the consent of those affected

Question 5

what do conservatives think about libertarianism

Answer 5

• People who describe themselves as libertarians believe that individuals should have full freedom of thought and action
• Libertarians want an absolutely minimal state, with as little intervention in the lives of individuals as possible
• This can mean support for the free market, and opposition to economic intervention
• But also non-interference in personal choices, e.g. issues like divorce, drug use etc.