Pragmatism and tradition Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is pragmatism
To be pragmatic is to reject ideology and dogma - instead accept that best route to solving proble is not necessarily what ones ideological belief says
How are one nation and new right pragmatic
One nation conservatism is a highly pragmatic way of governing , new right conservaitsm is much more ideological and requires a firm leadership to steer government and country into neo liberalims
Major examples of pragmatism
Some argue conservatism rejects ideology because of pragmatic nature , under margaret thatcher conservatives, proposed a poll tax - something john major (a more one nation conservative ) saw as being not a pragmatic decision and replaced with council tax
EG of pragmatoism-cameron
David camerons conservative party changed policies based on coalition compromises between 010-015 - can be argued to be because party changed its ideas to most electorally and socially pragmatic policies
What is tradition?
Tradition , paternalism and hierarchy are closely linked- people in history who have ruled know what is best for poeple they are ruling
What does edmund burke argue
Supports tradition- wrote after 1789 french revolution about dangers of rejecting ideas of pas , because of human imperfection , we cannot just create new society- we should listen to lessons and teachings of past and society should evolve organically to meet current needs
What is organical change?
idea social change should not be radical, Society evolves through organic process and political processes and leaders emerge as a result of this organic process,
Organic change is gradual rather than revolutionary and is supported by conservatives who wish to preserve order in society.
How does revolutionary change disrupt order and hierarchy?
It is dangerous to law and order and private property, society constantly evolving and revolution does not solve societys problems , society functions better and safer if change is gradual
