State - Security/order vs paternalism/hierarchy Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the primary function of the state?
Agreement
Maintain order and ensure the security of its citizens rather than seek progressive ends
Why did Hobbes believe a strong state is necessary?
Agreement
Prevent the chaos in the state of nature as life would be ‘nasty, brutish and short’ - Hobbes
Traditional conservative - How does a strong state and human imperfection link?
Agreement
Human imperfection necessitates a strong authoritative state to impose law and order
Why did Burke believe a strong state is necessary?
Agreement
‘Reflections on the Revolution in France’ - Good order is the foundation of all things
Why do neoliberals support a strong state?
Agreement
A orderly environment is essential for free market activities and individual liberties to thrive
What did Rand believe the fundamental role of the state was?
Agreement
Provided security and order. ‘ The Virtue of Selfishness’ - ‘The only proper purpose of a government is to protect man’s rights.
Why do neoconservatives support a strong state?
Agreement
Defense and policing so need robust national defense capabilities and effective law enforcement to upholds national sovereignty and public safety
Why do traditional conservatives believe in a paternalistic state?
Disagreement - Paternalism
State is based on tradition and pragmatism, so knows best for the people
How is a traditional paternalistic state authorative?
Disagreement - Paternalism
Top-down governance by the ruling elite who are in power
What is the state’s responsibility?
Disagreement - Paternalism
Protect and provide for its citizens akin to a parent’s duty to care for their children
What does a paternalistic state assume?
Disagreement - paternalism
Average citizen might not be best equipment to make decisions about complex societal issues hence its better for the state to decided on their behalf
Why do traditional conservatives support hierarchy, in terms of the state?
Hierarhcy provides clear roles and expectations for individual, preventing chaos while promoting respect for authority and tradition
What was Burke’s belief in hierarchy?
Natural aristocracy arises due to inherent difference in abilities and talents and capabilities so hierarchial structure ensures these in leadership are in the position where they are most effective.
Why do one nation conservatives believe in paternalism?
Noblesse oblige - Moral duty for state and upper classes to safegroud and look afteer the welfare of the less privileged
What should the state due to the concept of noblesse oblige?
Acts a benevolent guardian which takes proactive steps to improve welfare of the less privileged members whilst maintaing social hierachy
How ONC paternalism pragmatic?
Those near the bottom of the social hierarchy may revolt against the aristocracy if they aren’t somewhat looked after
Why do neoliberals reject paternalism?
Excessive state initervenion curtailed indvidiual freedom and stifled economic growth and innovation as market forces lead to greater efficiency and prosperity.
How do neoliberals view hierarchy and paternalism?
Relics of an oudate system that hindered the potential of the free market and individual liberty
What is the neoliberal principle of atomism?
Society is a collection of autonomous individual pursuing their own interests. This should be prioritised over broader social structure
What did Ayn Rand believe about altruism?
The moral obligation to place others needs above your own, whether done by the individual or the state, diminishes individual freedom and an unhealthy dependence in recepients
‘The Virtue of Selfishness’ - ‘The man who attemps to live for others is a dependent’
According to rand, what is the ideal moral pursuit?
Rational self-interest not self sacrifice
Do neoconservatives reject paternalism?
The state should promote anti-permisiveness to errode the economic and moral decay of the 1970’s due to rapid liberalisation.
Do neoconservatives reject hierarchy? Link to the state
Anti-social behaviour is caused by a decline in respect for authority due to individual liberalism and people are better when they know where they stand. This leads to strict state authoritarianism forming a natural hierarchy
If the new right is divided in their view of the state how are they a ‘marriage’?
Neoconservism creates a moral framework which means people can be trusted more, so ‘rolling back’ the states role in the economy is justified.
