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Conservatism Flashcards

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1
Q

definition of conservatism

A

Seek to conserve society and distrust ideological thinking.
Believe pragmatism, empiricism and tradition are superior to ideology with regards to maintaining an organic society
Humans are incapable of rationalism because they are imperfect

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2
Q

Define pragmatism

A

An approach that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application

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3
Q

Define empiricism

A

The idea that knowledge and evidence come from real experience and not abstract theories

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4
Q

Define tradition

A

The accumulated wisdom of the past that underpins society

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5
Q

Define an organic society

A

Belief that society is not created but emerges and grows - developing like an organism

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6
Q

Define enlightenment

A

A european intellectual movement of the late 17 & 18 centruries, emphasising reason and individualism rather than tradition

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7
Q

Are conservative party and conservatism the same thing

A

No

Conservative party contains lots of conservative ideas but also liberal, social, feminist an environmental ones

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8
Q

What is traditional conservatism

A

Reactionary ideology that resisted the decline of feudalism and artistocratic rule

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9
Q

Examples of a traditional conservative thinkers

A

Thomas Hobbes
Edmund Burke
Michael oakeshotte

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10
Q

Main ideas of traditional conservatism

A

Society is heirarchical and unequal
Elite are those who are best qualified to govern - they have a noblesse oblige to govern in the interests of the people
Humans are imperfect and need the state to provide order etc
Society can change but only gradually
Society is organic

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11
Q

Key ideas of Thomas Hobbes

A

1588-1679 (gosh he was old for that time)
Order - an ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life
Human nature - humans are needy and easily led astray in attempts to understand the world

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12
Q

Thomas hobbes key text

A

Leviathan 1651
Humans are needy
Humans driven by individualistic needs not communal
Without govt / structure humans would live in a violent state of nature (war of self preservation)
Solution is a social contract between individuals in society and head of state
Contract gives legitimacy to sovereign
This is a rationalistic idea - individuals cede freedom in return for legal & physical protection
Society should balance need for order and human need to live free
Only way is thorugh strong authoratative govt

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13
Q

Thomas hobbes key quote

A

The passions of men are commonly more potent than their reason

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14
Q

Key ideas of Edmund Burke

A

1729-1797
Key text Reflections on the revolution in france
Organic change - political change should be undertaken with great caution
Tradition & empiricism - practices passed down for generations should be respected
Society must change to conserve

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15
Q

Edmund Burke key quote

A

All men have equal rights but not to equal things

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16
Q

What did Burke mean by change to conserve

A

Society should adapt to shifting circumstances by instigating small modifications rather than rejecting change outright

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17
Q

What is meant by human imperfection

A

The belief that humans are morally, intellectually and psychologically flawed which limits the efficacy of their decisions

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18
Q

Key ideas of Michael Oakeshott

A

1901-90
Key text On being Conservative
Human imperfection
Pragmatism (conservatism is what works in the real world)

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19
Q

Oakeshott key quote

A

a known good is not lightly to be surrendered for an unknown better

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20
Q

Define laissez faire

A

A belief in free market capitalist economy and minimal state intervention in economic, social and political spheres

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21
Q

What is one nation conservatism

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A

Make society more stable and secure by minimising the inequalities between rich and poor

22
Q

Examples of one nation prime ministers

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A 
Benjamin Disraeli
Harold Macmillan
David Cameron
Theresa May
Boris Johnson
23
Q

Disraeli one nation law example

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A

Second reform act 1867 which gave most working men the vote

24
Q

Examples of one nation pragmatism

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A

Accepting scottish/welsh devolution whilst opposing independence - change to conserve

25
Define Neo liberalism
``` Modernised version of classical liberalism minimal state an atomistic society Free market economy Individual freedom ```
26
Define Atomism
Society exists as a loose collection of self interested and self sufficient individuals
27
Define Keynesianism
A system of economic management where the state directly intervenes to stimulate the economy in order to achieve full employment and economic growth
28
Define stagflation
Presistent high inflation combined with high unemployment and stagnant demand
29
Define Hawkish
Displaying an agressive/very strong position politically, economically or diplomatically
30
Examples of Neo liberal thinkers
Ayn Rand | Robert Nozick
31
Define Neo Conservatism
Modernised version of traditional conservatism Focused on morality, social order and hawkish foreign policy V critical of permissive social attitudes of 1960’s
32
Key ideas of Ayn Rand
1905-82 Key text - The virtue of selfishness Objectivism - virtues of rational self interest Freedom - supports pure laissez faire capitalist economy Only moral purpose of society to protect individual rights
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Key quote of Ayn Rand
Man must be the beneficiary of his own moral actions
34
Define Radical
Any ideas that favour drastic political, economic and social change from the existing status quo
35
Key ideas for Robert Nozick
1938-2002 Key text - Anarchy, State and Utopia Libertarianism - based on Kant’s idea that indivuals in society cannot be treated as a thing or used against their will as a resource Self ownership - individuals own their bodies, talents, abilities and labour
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Key quote robert Nozick
Taxation of earnings from labour is on a par with forced labour
37
Example of neo conservative prime minister
Margaret Thatcher
38
What are the 6 key priciples of conservatism
``` Human imperfection Pragmatism Traditon Organic society Paternalism Libitarianism ```
39
What are the origins of One Nation Conservatism
``` Led by Benjamin Disraeli The state (led by the political elite) should make small adjustments to the running of society and the economy to adapt to an ever changing world ```
40
Origins of Neo Conservatism
Developed out of the reaction against the perceived permissiveness of the 1960’s with many conservatives concerned that traditional values were being eroded
41
Origins of The New Right
Feeling that One Nation conservatives had sanctioned too many changes in the state’s role in the economy and had lost touch with conservative values
42
Origins of Traditional Conservatism
Influenced by Thomas Hobbes Feudal heirachic society which seeks order Edmund Burke fought for similar ideas - his ideology was to be wary of change. It should only come after careful consideration Puts emphasis on the accumulated wisdom of past society
43
What were Thomas Hobbes key ideas and principles
Society is heirachical and unequal. Humans do not have the same talents, skills and abilities The elite are those best qualified to govern they have noblesse Oblige to govern in the interests of the people Humans are imperfect - without order there is chaos State of Nature - without the state we would all live in a violent state of nature Only solution is a social contract between society and head of state Society gives up some freedoms in exchange for lawful protection Society changes gradually and is organic
44
Thoughts of Edumnd Burke
Evolution of traditional conservatism Extended Hobbes theory Concluded that humans were imperfect but disagreed on the extent Organic change - political change should be organic and undertaken with caution Tradition and Empiricism -should be passed down through generations Change to conserve - adapting through small modifications will preserve societies traditional essence. Without change society risks revolution Ruling class has paternalistic responsibility to protect and maintain equilibrium Human imperfection - flawed and intellectually limited. Should not practice abstract thinking
45
Theories of Michael Oakeshott
Human imperfection - society is unpredictable, as are humans Pragmatism - belief that conservatism is what works Humans should put faith in long standing customs and traditions rather than abstract theories Government should rule with pragmatic and empiricist values
46
Theories of Ayn Rand
Neo Liberalism Context - Russian communists took her father’s business objectivism - atomistic society. Should seek self fulfilment and personal happiness Rejects human imperfect and organic society Obligations to society erode individual freedoms Individual rights above all else Oppose welfare spending and interference in individuals life by the state Roll back the state eg abortion and homosexuality should be rights Still requires a small state, free markets and national borders Govt should only intervene in economics to prevent inflation
47
Theories of robert nozick
Libertarianism - individuals can not be treated as a thing Argued for self owership, meaning minimal interference in lives of indivuals makes for best society State’s primary function is to protect human rights Disagrees with Hobbes and Burke state legitimacy to interfere reinforcing individual freedoms A small govt can create a minimalist state allowing communites to practice their own moral codes and religous values without them being state imposed
48
Key ideas of Neo conservatism
Organic society based on christian values Abolition of abortion Promotion of anti permissiveness Welfare state grown too great Advocates military intervention to protect state security key personality - Mrs Thatcher
49
What is meant by human imperfection
All humans are flawed to some degree Hobbes - humans are ruthlessly self interested Burke - agreed with Hobbes but not to destructive level Rand/Nozick - Humans are capable of rationality and thus can make self serving decisions
50
What is pragmatism
Values practical experience over political theory Key to Burke’s theory Acknowledges some change is necessary but must be slow, evolutionary & peaceful No abstract or innovative ideas
51
What is paternalism
Society is unequal Natural heirachy is formed as the dominant part of organic society Noblesse oblige is a key theory - that the elite have a duty of care and responsiblity derived from their position to help those less fortunate They must maintain order
52
What is Libertarianism
Individuals rights to liberty Minimal state intervention Key thinkers were Rand and Nozick

Political Ideas (3 decks)

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