RMO Conservatism

Question 1

Pragmatism

Answer 1

• rejects theory and ideology in favour of practical experience - decisions made on the basis of what works
• flexible approach to consider what is in the best interests of the public to maintain social stability
• dismiss abstract ideas claiming to improve human life as they believe humans lack the intellectual ability to comprehend realities of the world

Question 2

Tradition

Answer 2

• initially justified due to religion - “God-given” society therefore to change it was to undermine God’s will - weakened by Enlightenment
• tradition constitutes accumulated wisdom of past - previous societies have survived therefore should be preserved - generational responsibility to the next, gradual/peaceful change
• tradition provides individuals with a strong sense of identity due to institutions and customs - collective sense of belonging/national identity maintains stability

Question 3

Human imperfection

Answer 3

• pessimistic view of human nature - immutable so must be kept in check due to capacity for evil
• policy impacts: tough stance on law and order, foreign policy based on national security, human behaviour competitive
• humans flawed: psychologically, limited and dependent so need stability; morally, naturally selfish and greedy so need robust justice system; intellectually, limited in reasoning therefore tradition necessary
• strong leadership needed to maintain stability

Question 4

Organic society

Answer 4

• social groups provide people with a sense of security and purpose, preventing the development of anomic instability caused by a breakdown of social standards
• organic society - one where people accept the duties and responsibilities that come with society and social groups, or little platoons
• authority and hierarchy important to ensure individuals stay with others with similar skills and talents to operate efficiently

Question 5

Paternalism

Answer 5

• government by people best equipped to lead by luck, inheritance, and upbringing - linked to ideas about hierarchy, those at top have duty to care for those lower down
• paternalism can take soft and hard forms, where either recipients give consent, or where it is imposed in a more authoritarian manner

Question 6

Conservatives on the role of the state

Answer 6

• Traditional - Hobbes, sovereign to prevent anarchy, Burke driven by aristocratic elite
• One Nation - guided by traditional and practical concerns, Oakeshott gov should prevent bad things happening
• Neo-Liberal - roll back frontiers to free people from state interference, Rand protect liberty therefore anti-welfare, Nozick state subservient to individual
• Neo-conservative - reduce economic role, strong state needed to combat crime, focus on national security

Question 7

Conservatives on human nature

Answer 7

• Traditional - humans driven by selfish desires, Hobbes fear, Burke unable to achieve perfection
• One Nation - cannot comprehend ideology, only practical experience, Oakeshott rationality over simplifies complexity of world
• Neo-Liberal - selfish yet rational, free to pursue own interests, Rand threatened by altruism, Nozick most important is respect for individual rights
• Neo-Conservative - imperfect, insecure, and cannot be changed

Question 8

Conservatives on society

Answer 8

• Traditional - collection of little platoons overseen by hierarchical structure, Hobbes not natural but created by state to impose order, Burke organic little platoons
• One Nation - social harmony achieved via hierarchy, Oakeshott localised communitiesessential to social stability
• Neo-Liberal - collection of atomistic individuals, Rand no collective rights, based on achievement
• Neo-conservative - society based on tradition and moral standards, focus on preventing societal collapse

Question 9

Emphasis on One Nation

Conservatives on the economy

Answer 9

• Traditional - defend economy based on private ownership, Burke laissez-faire capitalism underpinning trade
• One Nation - sceptical about free market capitalism and appreciate inequality of unchecked capitalism, Oakeshott free market economy and no social planning
• Neo-Liberal - free market economy, less gov spending to reduce inflation, Rand complete economic freedom, Nozick no government intervention even if distribution is unequal
• Neo-Conservative - some state role, react to situation eg intervention in 2008 economic crisis