Core Principals Conservatism Flashcards
What is the overall view on human nature by conservatives?
‘Nasty, brutish and short’
What does ‘organic society’ mean?
Society has arisen organically and naturally, therefore change has to be organic and natural
Why do conservatives want to preserve traditions?
Customs and habits provide security in an unstable world
What do conservatives feel about change?
Its inevitable yet must be slow to prosper
What causes a hierarchy in conservative thought?
Human Imperfection - Due to the natural selfishness of human nature, there are bound to be inequalities
Why is a hierarchy considered ‘good’ within society?
The minority that rules over the majority will do so paternalistically.
What is paternalism?
The idea that the stronger and weaker elements within society are akin to that of a father and his children
What type of family structure does conservatism vouch for?
A nuclear he ideal society
What does inherited property show in the mind of Burke?
It is a tangible expression of that connects the living, dead and yet to be born
What do New Right conservatives want to do with property?
To extend it and create a ‘property-owning democracy’
What do the conservatives see the state as having in comparison to liberalism and socialism?
A disciplinary function - to provide: order, security and authority
How should a state begin to arise/ evolve?
It should arise/evolve organically, naturally, slowly, pragmatically
Who do Traditional conservatives feel should be in charge?
A ruling class with aristocratic and hereditary power as they will act paternalistically and pragmatically
What does the state serve as?
Something that defines the nation itself - hence the importance of constitutions, monarchs and presidents as expressions of identity
What, according to new right conservatives, prevents the state from fulfilling its true potential of order and security?
One that is burdened by nationalised industries and welfare system
