conservatism key words Flashcards
atomism
Society exists as a loose collection of self-interested and self-sufficient individuals
anti-permissivness
A rejection, informed by Judaeo-Christian morality, of the relativist idea that there is no right or wrong, which neo-conservatism dubbed ‘permissiveness’, Neo-conservatives argue that sex before marriage, homosexuality, abortion and recreational drug use is wrong.
change to conserve
Society should adapt to shifting circumstances by instigating small modification rather than rejecting change outright. These compromises will preserve the essence of society. If society does not change, it risks rebellion and/or revolution
empricism
The idea that knowledge and evidence come from real experiences and not abstract theories
human imperfection
The belief that humans are flawed morally, intellectually and psychologically, which limits the efficacy of the decisions they make. Therefore, doctrines or ideologies designed by humans will be inherently flawed and are not to be trusted
laissez-faire
A belief in the free-market capitalist economy and minimal state intervention in economic, social and political spheres.
noblesse oblige
The duty of society’s elite, the wealthy and privileged, to look after those less fortunate
organic society
Belief that society is not created but emerges and grows, developing like and organism
pragmatism
An approach that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application
tradition
the accumulated wisdom of the past that underpins society
enlightenment
A european intellectual movement of the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, emphasising reason and individualism rather than tradition
Keynesianism
A system of economic management where the state (government) directly intervenes to stimulate the economy in order to achieve full employment and economic growth
Hawkish
Displaying an agressive, warlike or very strong position diplomatically, economically or diplomatically
