The rest of conservatism Flashcards
1
Q
WWhat kind of politics was it a reaction to
A
Enlightenment politics
2
Q
How did the French Revolution give birth the it
A
Beforehand it had seem antiquated to question the enlightenment ideas of progress, equality and rationalism
By 1792 it was clear that revolutionary change and the violent imposition of enlightenment ideas could have horrific consequences.
These events made it possible to oppose enlightenment principles without seeming reactionary, to criticise progress without denying the enlightenment, and to advocate reform over revolution.
3
Q
What was Hobbes’ most famous work
A
Leviathan (1651)
4
Q
Explain Hobbes’ view of human nature
A
Sceptical, argued it was needy and vulnerable and therefore likely to commit destructive acts. He said that prior to the creation of the state there was no cooperation or voluntary agreements between individuals and therefore none of the natural rights later cited by liberals. The state of nature was a place of scarce resources where human nature was governed by ruthless self interest. Human nature was shaped by the ruthless desire for the acquisition of goods, an immovable trust of others and constant fear of violent death. Life in this state of nature would be ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short’
5
Q
What did Hobbes caused this chaos in the state of nature
A
Thought it could be explained by absence of any formal authority which could enforce and unquestioned code of right and wrong. He said that man in the state of nature was able to form his own subjective standards of morality. He said that since these standards of morality would vary from person to person this would only lead to uncertainty and war
6
Q
How did Hobbes think that chaos in the state of nature could be solved
A
Because he thought we were rational he thought we would eventually realise that the state of nature was inimical to self interest and agree to a contract. Under this contract we would render to a state the right to make laws by which all were restrained, allowing an order and security that the state of nature does not. This would eventually lead to a society where some individuals could enjoy some security and progress
7
Q
What kind of state did Hobbes advocate for
A
He said for the state to fulfil its function it would have to be autocratic. Hobbes said that if power were dispersed then conflicts in the state of nature would be replicated
Thought the principle reason for the state was the creation of order and security: that without such a state there could be no civil society and that for the state to be effective it would have to be autocratic, intiminating and forbidding
8
Q
Why is it unsurprising that conservatives support capitalism
A
Because it aligns with their support for inequality and hierarchy
9
Q
Which economist was Burke an ally of
A
Adam Smith
10
Q
Define Thatcherism
A
Essentially a synonym for the New Right in the UK. Refers to the neo liberal and neo conservative policies carried out by the Thatcher govts
11
Q
Give some examples of neo liberal things Thatcher did
A
Privatisation
Tax cuts
12
Q
Give some examples of neo conservative things Thatcher did
A
Strengthened police powers
Curbing immigration
Tax breaks for traditional families
13
Q
Explain conservatism’s mixed attitude towards capitalism
A
Aligns with their support for hierarchy and inequality.
Conservatives want order, stability and continuity, but free market capitalism promotes risk, innovation and iconoclasm. This is frightening for conservatives given their sceptical view of human nature and fear that radical change leads to bad things
Trad cons have therefore sometimes been called ‘reluctant supporters’. One the one hand they recognise that an assault on capitalism is an assault on property, inequality, hierarchy and the status quo. However, they are also sceptical of the laissez faire claim that markets work best when left alone completely. Supporting laissez faire requires an optimism that is not in line with conservative pessimism and scepticism
Trad cons have tried to solve this by supporting a more moderate form of capitalism in which free markets are tempered by state intervention. Under this model, sometimes known as protectionism, society and economy will be ensured against the vagaries of market forces by state imposed tariffs and duties. This protection of national producers and consumers is also consistent with trad con idea of one nation, offsetting the globalising effects of free market capitalism. Trad cons in the 20th century were also drawn to Keynesianism, where the state managed market forces in the interests of full employment
Influenced by neo liberal economists like von Hayek and Friedman, New Right conservatives have a more sympathetic view of free market economies
New Right economics still complements trad con in many ways. The New Right thinks that by disengaging from economic management the state can focus on its true Hobbesian purpose of providing order and security. The New Right believes that a free market economy is a prosperous economy. This might promote popular capitalism and destroy socialism, as well as funding greater state spending on the police, army and other agencies vital to the defence of a conservative society
14
Q
What are the two strands of conservatism covered
A
Trad and New Right
15
Q
Which party was Burke an MP for
A
The Whigs
16
Q
What radical 18th century causes did Burke actually champion
A
American Revolution after 1776
Defended Irish tenants in clashes against extortionate landlords
Demanded the impeachment of the Governor General of Bengal for alleged cruelty towards the Hindustanis
Advocate of Smith’s call for free trade
17
Q
When was reflections on the revolution in france published
A
1790
18
Q
Which tenets of conservative thought did Burke define in Reflections on the Revolution in France
A
Human imperfection, empiricism, organicism, tradition, aristocracy and localism
19
Q
Explain Burke’s ideas on human imperfection
A
Stressed mankind’s fallibility and tendency to fail more than succeed. Therefore denounced the idealistic society promoted by the French Revolution, claiming it was based on a utopian and thus unrealistic view of human nature
20
Q
Explain Burke’s attitude to change and reform
A
Said that while change was necessary to conserve, change should happen on the basis of empiricism and tradition rather than theory and idealism. Burke criticised the French Rev for discarding what was known in favour of an entirely new society based on philosophical abstractions
21
Q
Explains Burke’s idea that society is closer to a plant than a machine
A
He said both has a certain dynamism that put them beyond reason and planning. Said change must therefore be cautious and organic and denounced the French Revolution for discarding history and tradition
22
Q
Why was Burke critical of the French Revolution’s emphasis on equality
A
Said that within all organic societies a ruling class was inevitable and desirable.
23
Q
What did Burke think the ruling class had an obligation to do
A
Govern in the interests of all. He thought that the failure of the French aristocracy to do this had led to the French Revolution
24
Q
Why was Burke concerned about the highly centralised structures of the new French state
A
Instead wanted a society of little platoons: a multitude of small, diverse and largely autonomous communities which would acknowledge nurture and prune the crooked timber of humanity
25
Make the case that conservatism is a ruling class ideology
Claim made by Webb and Crosland
Burke attacked the egalitarianism of the French Revolution while defending aristocracy
Always defend property, privilege and inequality
Paternalism is merely an attempt to make inequality and elitism palatable to the majority
The stress of tradition and piecemeal change conspires to prevent radical change, which inherently threatens ruling class interests
26
Make the case that conservatism is not a ruling class ideology
The prime purpose of the conservative state is the maintenance of order, which appeals to all sections of society.
Its love of custom, habit and familiarity echoes with all sections of society
Trad cons have consistently promoted the interests of the poor in order to ensure the maintenance of one nation
Their wish to avoid revolution is altruistic, as during periods of upheaval it is often societies poorest who suffer most
New Right conservatism is meritocratic rather than aristocratic identifying with ambitious and talented individuals from all backgrounds
27
What have critics suggested really motivated Reflections on the Revolution in France
Merely provided a sophisticated justification for existing society, one in which he and other members of the ruling class had a vested interest
28
Give some examples of Tory PMs who had a conservative approach
Pitt, Peel and Canning. All displayed a reverence for order and property, opposed revolutionary change, extolled tradition, endorsed the notion of localism, insisted that society and state emerged organically, praised empiricism over abstraction and defended paternalistic, aristocratic rule
29
What conservative themes were the tory party linked to
Authority, tradition, hierarchy and religion
30
How was Canning influenced by Burke's idea of change to conserve
Supported CE and prepared legislation that would have allowed Catholics to participate in parliament (claiming that though emancipation carries dangers, civil strife carries even greater dangers) Canning also supported calls for the abolition of slavery and various demands from various Latin American countries for independence
31
How was Peel a conservative
Offered another example of changing to conserve, seeking to harness the interests of the new business and merchant classes to Britain's constitution and society. He and other conservatives therefore supported the GRA, ensuring parliamentary representation for the new industrial towns. His reasoning was that if the interests of the rich were not harnessed to the existing political and social structure then there was a danger that those interest would be harnessed to property less forces with no vested interests in evolving the status quo
Also displayed the conservative belief in order and authority. Established the Metropolitan Police Force as Home Secretary (1828-30), leading to the creation of similar forces throughout Britain. His assertion that without security there can be no liberty updates Hobbes' justification for the state and strengthened the conservative association with order and authority
32
Give some examples of conservative politicians who were important in developing the idea of one nation
Disraeli and Bismarck
33
Define one nation conservatism
Dating from the 1870s, denotes the belief that conservatives should prioritise national unity by attending to the condition of society's poorest. Been used by conservatives to justify greater state intervention in society and economy, and thus higher levels of public spending and taxation
34
Explain how Disraeli and Bismarck developed one nation conservatism
Sensing that socialism and its stress on class conflict was a threat to stability and tradition, they understood that the conservative case for orderly change would have to be refined. Aware that in order to ensure social cohesion and orderly change, new themes were needed to offset class consiousness
The importance of the nation then emerged. Ironic because until then nationalism had been associated with anti imperialism and anti monarchism
They understood the conservative potential of nationalism. They embraced class differences - but in a way that created unity rather than rupture. Argued that all classes were part of the same national family and that revolutionary politics represented an attack against the nation itself. The nation state is something all classes have an interest in defending and therefore everyone has an interest in defending the status quo
Scorned the idea of workers in one nation and another nation being linked (Marx). Instead they updates Burke's idea of a natural affinity between the rich and the poor arguing that the aristocracy had a paternalistic duty to 'elevate the condition of the people' (Disraeli). They said once this obligation was recognised by all classes, social and political progress could be achieved harmoniously without the horrors of class war and revolution. 'The palace is not safe when the cottage is not happy'
Neither advocate mere philanthropy from the wealthy. Endorsed state sponsored social reforms, something that never would have occured to previous conservatives, One nation conservatism on the late 19th century thus became associated with legislation that tempered the effects of laissez faire capitalism on the behalf of the working class.
In England this resulted in things like 1874 Factory Act and the 1875 Artisans Dwelling Act, restricting the freedom of factory owners and landlords, while Bismarck created what some historians regard as the first welfare state, providing Germans with state backed insurance against sickness, accident and destitution in old age.
Bismarck also imposed tariffs and import controls
35
Why would it be wrong to see fascism as a kind of conservatism
Because of its belief in radical and immediate change, contempt for traditional institutions and local communities and glorification of dictatorship
36
The emergence of which to ideologies in the early 20th century impacted conservatism
Socialism and fascism
37
Describe how conservatism developed again in the early to mid 20th century
The 1918 franchise extension created more working class voters and accelerated the growth of Labour, who were committed to common ownership, with some conservatives beginning to worry that socialism was seemingly inevitable
With this in mind they sought to temper the effects of capitalism in order to sustain a society based on property ownership and inequality. Inter war conservatives like Harold Macmillan spoke of a middle way between conservatism and socialism, that would address economic inequalities while respecting property rights, cultural tradition, national identity etc
As early as the 1930s it was clear that conservatives were willing to permit a higher degree of state intervention in order to protect privilege and stifle socialism. Between 1935-7, conservative politicians supporting public health, housing and factory acts, all of which checked market forces and encouraged social cohesion in the name of one nation
After 1945 conservatism took another step towards accepting big govt. Across western Europe conservatives yielded to the ideas of democratic socialists and modern liberals and therefore embraced keynesianism, mixed economies and welfare states involving state ownership of industries and services
This was opportunistic and pragmatic. Conservatives needed to win elections to give effect to their views, and elections were dominated by working class, propertyless voters
Post wars cons said they were evolving rather than forgetting their previous positions
38
What did Crosland say about conservatives
They conserve no principles, simply go along with whatever situation they inherit, in the interests of winning office and stemming the tides of change
39
What did Quentin Hogg say about conservatism in The Case For Conservatism (1948)
'Conservatism, unlike liberals, has always recognised that unchecked laissez faire can be destructive as well as creative'
40
What did RA Butler say about conservatism in The Art of the Possible (1971)
Said their support for state welfare and Keynesianism were just updates versions of their support for paternalism and one nation
41
Define supranationalism
Refers to a state whose authority cuts across national boundaries. British and American conservatives tend to dislike, seeing it as a threat to one nation and the traditional nation state. Post war continental conservatives like the Christian Democrats accept it as a good antidote to fascism's legacy of ultra nationalism
42
Explain Christian Democracy
Post war traditional conservatism developed differently in Europe compared to the UK. The main reason was because these nations felt the effect of fascism more.
43
Give some examples of traditional conservatives
West Germany's Konrad Adenauer
France's Robert Schuman
Italy's Luigi Sturzo
44
Describe the overlaps between Christian democracy and post war traditional conservatism in the UK
Same belief in Judaeo-Christian morality as a force for binding society together
Same belief in hierarchy and authority (underlined by their support for the RCC)
Same commitment to social conservatism, marriage and traditional family life, and the same scepticism towards socially liberal causes like abortion and sexual equality
Same scepticism towards laissez faire. Christian democracy emphasises the 'social market' a form of capitalism that draws on the Catholic principles of obligation and communal duty, echoing Disraeli's paternalistic conservatism
Same acceptance of an enlarged state, also accepted Keynesianism, high public spending and an expansive welfare state
45
What makes Christian Democracy distinct
Its attitude towards the nation state. In places like Germany, Italy and Spain the experience of fascism made politicians wary of nationalism and patriotism.
This made them accepting of supranationalism, an idea hinted at by Schuman's plan for limited economic integration in the 1950s which would later be embodied by the EEC and EU. The fact that the RCC is supranational made them more accepting too
British conservatives have been suspicious that the real aim of this supranationalism is to eliminate the idea of 'the nation' within conservative philosophy and instead make 'the region' the main form of conservative identity (as it now is for many German and Italian conservatives)
46
What does British conservative philosopher Roger Scruton call Christian Democracy
No nation conservatism
47
What is Oakeshott's key text
On Being Conservative (1962)
48
What was Oakeshott's main arguement in On Being Conservative
That a 'philosophy of imperfection' did not need to be a 'philosophy of pessimism'
49
Explain Oakeshott's view on human imperfection
He said we were 'fallible but not terrible' and 'imperfect but not immoral'. Though incapable of the 'perfect' societies promoted by other ideologies, humanity was still able to secure 'both pleasure and improvement through the humdrum business of everyday life'
50
How did Oakeshott try and prove that conservativism was more optimistic than the other core ideologies
He said that these ideologies and their clear view of how society should be produced impatience, intolerance and frustration. Oakeshott claimed that because conservatives were reconciled to human imperfection, they have a greater appreciation of the pleasures that already exist in life. He said conservatives prefer 'the familiar to the unknown, the actual to the possible, the convenient to the perfect, present laughter to utopian bliss'
51
Explain Oakeshott's preference for empricism over normative ideas
He said normative politics involves 'simplistic visions that overlook the complexity of reality', affirmed the benefits of a pragmatic and empirical approach. Argued it was through experience, trial and error, rather than abstract philosophy, that wisdom was achieved. Oakeshott remarked 'in a kitchen, cooks books are only useful after the experience of preparing a meal'
52
Explain Oakeshott's view on the role of the state
In his final work The Politics of Faith and The Politics of Scepticism, he argued that the state existed to 'prevent the bad rather than create the good' restating the idea the best things in life emerge from routine, apolitical activity. In other words, the state should be a civil association rather than an enterprise association, it should help society get along rather than push it in a certain direction
Said that in our lives 'we all sail a boundless sea with no appointed destination' and that the job of govt is to reflect this by 'keeping the ship afloat at all costs, using experience to negotiate every storm, stoicism to accept necessary changes of direction, and not fixating on a port that may not exist
53
Why do New Right conservatives criticise Oakeshott
Say he it too fatalistic and underestimates our ability to shape our circumstances. Nozick said the 'Oakeshott mentality' was 'lazy'and had allowed socialist ideas to advance after 1945
54
Make the case the conservatism is merely the politics of pragmatism
Burke attacked abstract philosophy, claiming it ignored human imperfection
Advocate an empirical rather than normative approach
Trad cons pride themselves on flexibility, which has helped them endure centuries of dramatic change
Shown by the different policies adopted by different conservatives at different times. For example, Peel supported laissez faire, while Macmillan supported Keynesianism
Oakeshott said conservatism is a short term, getting by approach to politics: does not have the long term objectives on society and economy like the other core ideologies
55
Make the case that conservatism is not merely the politics of pragmatism
Trad con is not philosophically neutral and is instead based on philosophically contentious assertions like slow change being preferable to radical change and that vision and principle are inferior to evidence and tradition
Does not merely reject revolution as a method of change; does so to protect a society based on principles such as hierarchy, inequality and private property. Socialists therefore see socialism as a ruling class ideology, a changing set of biased policies, reflecting the evolving tactics of elites determined to preserve their privilege
Oakeshott said conservatism is psychology rather than ideology. Cons may therefore reject radical change if it conflicts with their instincts and emotions
New Right con draws on neo liberal and libertarian principles and politicians like Thatcher describe themselves as 'conviction politicians'
56
Who did post war European and British cons support Keynesianism
Their support for capitalism was tempered by a fear that market forces could generate gross inequalities that would outrage the majority of working class voters
57
Explain how post war US cons had a different attitude to capitalism
Placed more emphasis on individual freedom, laissez faire capitalism, private property and minimal govt, because theyse values reflected conservative traditions
Many of these traditions were liberal, stemming from the individualist ideas of the FF and Constitution that was influenced by John Locke. These values were then blended with more obviously conservative ideas, such as traditional Christian morality, a respect for marriage and family life, intense patriotism and a belief in a stong (albeit) limited govt
American conservatism was always a blend of classical liberalism and social conservatism. From the 1970s, European conservatives became convinced they should adopt this
58
Describe the crisis of traditional conservatism that occured that allowed the New Right to come to prominence
Crisis in states like the UK in the 1970s. Characterised by spiralling inflation, mounting unemployment, unsustainable welfare spending, increased crime rates, moral laxity and a growing sense of an ungovernable society due to TU militancy
The New Right thought this crisis represented an indictment of traditional conservatism. Post war trad cons like Macmillan, Hogg and Butler endorded the post war keynesian consensus. NR cons said trad cons were therefore complicit in a rapidly declining economy, a bloated welfare state, a permissive society and an increasingly feeble country lacking in moral and formal authority and struggling to resist socialism. A new interpretation of conservatism seemed to be required
In Europe this reinterpretation was resisted and cons remained committed to Christian Democracy. Cons in the UK and US much more willing to adapt
59
Make the case that conservatism is compatible with capitalism
Based on private property, which cons support
Generates inequality, which cons defend as organic
Been at the heart of economic activity for several centuries and therefore squares with the support for tradition
Provides the ruling class with wealth that can be used paternalistically
NR cons want to extend private property and market forces in the name of greater individual freedom
60
Make the case that capitalism is not compatible with conservatism
It is economic liberalism - focuses on individuals rather than communities
Creates economic and social tensions that threaten one nation
It is dynamic and volatile, threatening stability and continuity
Tends towards globalisation, undermining national identity
Promotes meritocracy and undermines aristocracy
61
What is neo liberalism
Associated with Freidrich von Hayek who 1944 thesis The Road to Serfdom (1944) is regarded as the bible of neo liberal thinking. His ideas were reinfoced by Friedman in the US and the Adam Smith Institute in the UK. Chimes with the libertarian philosophy of Nozick and Rand.
Want to extend individual freedom by rolling back the frontiers of the state in order to create a free market economy. Nozick and Rand thought these measures would promote freedom and lead to the return of economic growth and a vibrant, prosperous society
62
What kind of things do neo liberals want to see
Drastic reduction in tax
Tighter control of govt spending along the monetarist lines promoted by Friedman
End to dependency culture and expensive welfare states
Deregulation and privatisation
Curbing TU powers
63
Which thinkers are associated with neo conservatism
American scholars like Irving Kristol and British philosophers like Roger Scruton
64
What is neo conservatism
Whereas neo liberalism was concerned with the salvation of individual liberty, neo conservatives wanted to restore authority, national identity and Judaeo-Christian values
65
List some neo conservative aims
Tougher law and order, with more police powers and stiffer sentences
More robust national defence, with a less conciliatory approach to enemies (USSR at the time)
Less tolerant on immigration because it is a threat to national identity
Anti permissive social policies on areas like homosexuality and abortion and the promotion of traditional family structures through the benefit and tax system
66
Define anti permissive
Seeks to reverse the social liberalism that has occured since the 1960s. Critical view of things like abortion, divorce and homosexuality
67
What was Rand's defining work
The novel Atlas Shrugged (1957)
68
What did Rand argue in Atlas Shrugged
That is was talented individuals rather than ambitious govt that created successful societies. Suggested that without the energy of these individuals society would quickly wither, no matter how much the govt did
69
What did Rand argue in philosophical works like The Virtue of Selfishness (1964)
She explained her philosophical system of objectivism, with its core belief being we should be guided by 'rational self fulfilment'
70
Explain Rand's idea of atomism
The idea that society is defined by millions of autonomous individuals , each separately seeking self fulfilment and self realisation. She provided a philosophical justification for the idea that society did not exist in any form, and was just a loose connection of individuals
71
How did Rand become associated with the NR
Linked to NR support for laissez faire and support for negative liberty, providing a philosophical justification for ideas relating to rolling back the frontiers of the state
72
Explain Rand's self proclaimed libetarianism
Defended not just free markets but also an individuals right to choose in areas like homosexuality and abortion. Firmly rejecting any suggestion of anarchism, claiming both economic and cultural laissez faire needed the parameters of a small state
73
How did Rand strengthen her connection to conservatism later in her career
She said that liberty was impossible without the order and security which only a state could provide and supported ultra conservative presidential candidate Barry Goldwater in 1964
'The small state is the strong state'
74
Define atomism
Relates to the view that we seek autonomy and space, leading to only a vague sense of society. Conservatives reject this view by suggesting that we are closely tied to our community, but NR conservatives are much more atomistic
75
When did Nozick emerge as a key new right thinker
1970s
76
What was Nozick's key work
Anarchy, State and Utopia (1974)
77
How did Nozick develop the ideas raised by von Hayek
Said the growth of govt was the biggest contemporary threat to individual freedom. Nozick thought the growth of welfare states in western europe had fostered dependency culture
78
Explain Nozick's libertarianism
Suggests both cultural and economic laissez faire and is therefore tolerant of a permissive society and takes a relaxed view on things like divorce, abortion and homosexuality
79
What kind of state did Nozick advocate for
A minarchist state - one that mainly involving outsourcing public services to private companies
80
How does Nozick's idea of a minarchist state link to his views on human nature
Very different conception of human nature to Burke and Hobbes. Some suggest he has more in common with anarchism than conservatism. His idea that tax for the most part is theft indicates his upbeat view that humans have self ownership - that they are the sole author of their talents and abilities and should be left alone to realise them without the intervention of govt.
81
Why is Nozick considered to be a conservative
Although he believed that society predates the state, his view of human nature is not wholly positive. He thought that while dishonesty, theft and violence were not the main characteristics of humans, the preservation of life, liberty and property could not be taken for granted without some formal authority imposing laws: a vital concession to Hobbesian ideas
The purpose of his small state was not just to facilitate raw individualism and free market capitalism. He also thought that minarchist state would allow a number of self sufficient communities to emerge. These societies would be free to practise their own moral codes and values which could even be socialist or anti Christian. Represents an update to Burke's idea of little platoons
82
What did conservative commentator Ian Gilmour say about the NR in Inside Right (1977)
Said that it was a betrayal of traditional conservative principles
83
What did Anthony Quinton say about the NR in The Politics of Imperfection (1978)
Said that because it combines neo liberalism and neo conservatism it enfolds a series of fundamental contradictions
84
Give some examples of NR contradictions
While neo liberals want to roll back the frontiers of the state neo conservatives wish to roll the state forward
While neo liberals want to advance individual liberty, neo conservatives are prepared to restrict it
While neo liberals are relaxed about immigration, neo conservatives are much more wary
While neo liberals want to minimise govt spending, neo conservatives are prepared to spend more to increase the nation's profile
85
Make the case that the NR is a blend rather than a mismatch and neo liberals and neo conservatism complement rather than contradict each other
Irving Kristol said a NR conservative was 'a liberal mugged by reality'. Meant that liberals and their optimistic view of human nature fail to anticipate the tensions arising from free market capitalism where inequality flourishes. Therefore to contain such tensions they advocate for a strong authoritarian state to maintain order and protect private property
To achieve the low taxation they require liberals would have to reduce welfare spending. For this to be viable there has to be other sources of support for those blamelessly in need. Neo conservatism therefore can bring in the restoration of traditional morality and an end to the permissive society should lead to the restoration of supportive families and altruistic voluntary communities, while reviving a sense of individual responsibility. All this will 'privatise' compassion and social security and thus weaken the state's obligations
Neo cons wish to strengthen the state by reinforcing the police, security services and armed services. All this requires extra state funding. Neo liberals say this will be easier to achieve if spending in other areas is decreased, following things like privatisation and welfare cuts. Therefore the neo liberal desire to roll back the frontiers of the state in terms of welfare finance the more statist objectives of neo conservatism
86
Summarise Hobbes' on human nature
Cynical, individuals are selfish, driven by a restless and ruthless desire for supremacy and security
87
Summarise Hobbes' on the state
The state arises contractually from individuals who seek order and security. The state must be awesome and autocratic to fulfil this function
88
Summarise Hobbes' on society
There can be no society until the creation of the state brings order and authority. Life is nasty, brutish and short until then
89
Summarise Hobbes' on the economy
Constructive and enduring economic activity is impossible without a state ensuring order and security
90
Summarise Burke on human nature
Sceptical of the crooked timber of humanity which is marked by a gap between aspiration and achievment. We may conceive of perfection but we are unable to achieve it
91
Summarise Burke on the state
Arises organically and should be organic and should be driven by an aristocratic, hereditary elite reared to rule in the interests of all
92
Summarise Burke on society
Society is organic and multi faceted, comprising a host of small organised little platoons
93
Summarise Burke on the economy
Trade should involve organic free markets and laissez faire capitalism
94
Summarise Oakeshott on human nature
Modest - humanity is at its best when it is free from grand designs and focused on the routines of everyday life
95
Summarise Oakeshott on the state
Should be guided by traditional and practical concerns. Pragma not dogma
96
Summarise Oakeshott on society
Localised communties are essential to the survival of society, especially when guided by short term requirements rather than abstract ideas
97
Summarise Oakeshott on the economy
Free markets are volatile and unpredictable and may require pragmatic moderation from the state
98
Summarise Rand on human nature
Objectivist - we are, and ought to be, guided by self interest and the pursuit of self fulfilment
99
Summarise Rand on the state
The state should confine itself to law, order and security. Any attempt to promote positive liberty via further state intervention should be resisted
100
Summarise Rand on society
Atomistic in so far as it exists at all: the sum of individuals. Any attempt to restrict individuals in the name of society should be restricted
101
Summarise Rand on economy
Free market capitalism is an expression objectivist individualism and should not be hindered by the state
102
Summarise Nozick on human nature
Egotistical: individuals are driven by a quest for self ownership, allowing them to realise their potential
103
Summarise Nozick on the state
The minarchist state should merely outsource, renew and reallocate contracts to private companies providing public services
104
Summarise Nozick on society
Should be geared towards individual self fulfilment. This may lead to lots of small variable communities reflecting their members diverse tastes and philosophies
105
Summarise Nozick on the economy
The minarchist should detach itself from a privatised and deregulated economy, merely arbitrating disputes between private economic organisations
106
Conservative tensions over human nature...
Trad cons like Burke and Oakeshott are sceptical, drawing attention to the gap between aspiration and achievement, while warning against the grand utopian schemes of progressive ideologies. The horrors of the French and Russian Revolutions are not tragic accidents, they arose from a misreading and overestimation of human potential. NR thinkers take a more optimistic view, emphasising the potential or individuals with initiative and ability. Nozick and Rand take an especially positive view of what individuals can achieve in the economic sphere, arguing that the key to unlocking human potential lies in fostering a pro capitalist environment where individual energies are unleashed
107
Conservative tensions over society
Trad cons see society as a collection of little platoons, overseen by a hierarchical structure in which paternalistic elites exercise aristocratic power in the interests of the majority. These communties are considered organic in the sense that they emerge in a natural, unplanned way and place great store in tradition and continuity. NR cons are doubtful about the existence of society, drawing on the libertarian belief that society is just a collection of atomised individuals seeking self determination. More sceptical about paternalism, preferring a society who have achieved rather than inherited. Prefer meritocracy to aristocracy
108
Conservative tensions over the state...
Trad cons like Burke defend a state where political power is wielded by those who are born to rule. Trad cons believe the best states will have a natural ruling class, reared according to the principles of duty and sacrifice, and instilled with a sense of responsibility towards the governed. Trad cons are pragmatic about the extent of the state and prepared to enlarge it in the name of social stability and one nation. By contrast, NR cons want to roll back the frontiers of the state (apart from in certain areas like security and defence) so as to advance individual freedom and end dependency culture. Hostile the aristocratic rule - fear that the ruling classes have too much of a stake in the status quo and are therefore reluctant to admit the radical change that needs to be carried out by NR govts
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Conservative tensions over the economy
Trad cons, while keen to defend an economy based on private ownership, they are sceptical about free market capitalism, fearful that its dynamic effects exascerbate inequality, threaten one nation and fuel support for socialism. As capitalism becomes more globalised, trad cons fear that market forces promote a more cosmopolitan society that erodes national identity and national culture. Trad cons have therefore been willing to allow state intervention through keynesianism higher tax and higher welfare spending
NR cons advocate free market economies where state functions are privatised and deregulated, and where levels of tax and state spending are significantly reduced
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