Conservatism 9 markers

Question 1

Explain and analyse three ways in which conservative thinkers have viewed human nature.

Answer 1

1. Some traditional conservatives had cynical views of human nature
   E.g. Thomas Hobbes argued in ‘Leviathan’ 1651 that individuals are ‘selfish, driven by restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security’
   (hence the need for a Leviathan state to maintain law and order)
2. Conservatives believe that human nature is fixed and immutable
   E.g. Oakeshott argued that, since humanity’s flaws could not change, the role of the state should be to ensure social harmony rather than creating a new utopian society
   (since utopia is impossible due to human imperfection)
3. New Right conservatives were more optimistic about human nature
   E.g. Ayn Rand argued that humans are guided by rational self-interest and the pursuit of self-fulfilment
   (thus could not justify a autocratic state)

Question 2

Explain and analyse three ways in which conservative thinkers have viewed the economy.

Answer 2

1. Traditional conservatives emphasise the importance of a strong state in the economy
   E.g. Hobbes argued that constructive and enduring economy activity is impossible without a state guaranteeing order and security
   (since human nature is flawed)

2. One-nation conservatives favour a mixed economy
E.g. Disraeli had a paternalistic view of the economy, and wanted to 'elevate the condition of the people', evident from his Factory Act 1874 which restricted factory owners
(this would lead to social and political progress without the horrors of class war and revolution)

3. New Right conservatives favour a smaller state presence in the economy
   E.g. Thatcher believed in ‘rolling back the frontiers of the state’ in the economic realm, evident from her tax cuts

Question 3

Explain and analyse three ways in which conservative thinkers have viewed the state

Answer 3

1. Some conservatives favour a strong state
   E.g. Hobbes held the view that the people come together in a social contract to create a sovereign. This sovereign has absolute power
   (to restrain flawed human nature and ensure order and stability which are necessary to allow society and freedom to thrive)
2. Some conservatives opposed a vast, centralised state
   E.g. Burke favoured local communities which he called ‘little platoons’
   (allowing natural bonds of trust, duty and loyalty to emerge)
3. New Right conservatives believe that the central aim of the state is to provide security
   E.g. Ayn Rand argued that the state should confine itself to law and order, any attempt to promote ‘positive liberty’ via further state intervention should be rejected

Question 4

Explain and analyse three ways in which conservatism can be considered as the politics of imperfection.

Answer 4

1. Some traditional conservatives have cynical views of human nature
   E.g. Thomas Hobbes argued in ‘Leviathan’ 1651 that individuals are ‘selfish, driven by restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security’
   (hence the need for a Leviathan state to maintain law and order)
2. Some conservatives have sceptical but not cynical views of human nature
   E.g. Burke believed that human nature is flawed and cannot be perfected but is capable of goodness and affection if people’s actions are informed by custom and tradition.
3. Some conservatives believe that humans are fragile and fallible
   E.g. Oakeshott believed that humanity’s fragility leads individuals into favouring the known over the unknown, thus opposing radical change that aims to create a perfect society
   (justified tradition and slow change)