Conservatism Flashcards

Question

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

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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)

Answer 5

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.

Answer 6

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

Answer 7

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)

Answer 8

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.

Answer 9

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.

Answer 10

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

Answer 11

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

Answer 12

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.

Answer 13

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.

Answer 14

Key concepts - Natural Justice, Taxation as theft.

Answer 15

"No state more extensive than the minimal state can be justified"

Answer 16

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.

Answer 17

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.

Answer 18

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.

Answer 19

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).

Answer 20

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).

Answer 21

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).

Answer 22

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).

Answer 23

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).

Answer 24

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).

Conservatism Flashcards

(48 cards)