Conservatism Flashcards
Origins of Conservatism?
The Enlightenment & The French Revolution
Conservatisms view of Human Nature?
Philosophy of Imperfection - flawed & imperfect due to original sin = perfect society is unattainable.
Conservative Economy?
Capitalist - defends inequalities of wealth
Conservative view of Society (& Human Nature?)
The perfect society is unattainable due to human imperfection - society should be monitored as it grows and changes naturally
3 theorists & Human Nature
Thomas Hobbes - Cynical, nasty brutish & short, state of nature.
Micheal Oakeshott - modest, imperfect but not immoral
Robert Nozick - optimistic = desire for individual freedom - innovated by self-interest
3 theorists & the State
Thomas Hobbes -
Edmund Burke -
Ayn Rand -
What approach do conservatives take to Human Nature?
rational thought as a result of the enlightenment led to a realistic not optimistic approach
What would happen without state interference?
conflict between individuals - a social contract must instead be created so individuals give up their rights in return for protection
Key themes defining a conservative society? (7)
Localism Organicism Empiricism Tradition Hierarchy Judaeo-Christian morality Property
Key Themes defining a conservative state?
Order & Authority
Organic origins
The ruling class
The nation-state
The States in regards to Human Nature?
Human Nature is fixed and the state cannot change but rather maintain & monitor it
Society: Localism?
localised communities = ‘little platoons’ (burke) providing individuals w security.
(avoid selfish individuals = classic lib)
Society: Organicism?
society cannot b created, it emerges gradually over time - more like a plant than a machine that can grow and develop.
Society: Empiricism?
evidence over theory - society should aim to ‘stay afloat’ rather than aim itself (Oakeshott)
Society: Tradition?
gradual (evolution) rather than drastic change (revolution) = provide security in an uncertain world
Society: Hierarchy?
Affairs controlled by a small group of individuals - this power & responsibility comes with paternalism (responsibility)
Society: Judaeo-Christian morality?
religious principles - emphasis on marriage & families
Society: Property?
not acquired but handed down = tradition of continuity, provides stability
State; Order & Authority?
Main goal of the conservative state is to provide order & security = without this there would be no liberty
State: Organic Origins
State should emerge gradually (favour an unmodified constitution which is open to change)
State; The Ruling class
State reflecting elite society = aristocratic and hereditary rather than democratic, keen for a class born to rule the state, maintain traditional patterns of wealth & power in society = reject social upheaval
Private Property & Paternalism?
in the interest of the Property owning elite to be concerned for those less fortunate so they don’t revolt against them (burke)
What is the idea of a Social Contract?
State; citizens surrender their individual freedoms in return for security/state protection
How does Capitalism clash with Traditional Conservatism?
Laissez-Faire economics requires an optimistic view of human nature.
Capitalism promotes risk but conservatisms worship order & stability
= ‘reluctant supporters’
