Conservatism

change to conserve

fundamental principle of conservatism that is the belief that for something valuable to be preserved, it needs to be continuously updated and maintained

traditional conservatism overview

primarily based on the desire to maintain traditional social values as a way to uphold order and believes in human imperfection

one nation conservatism

pragmatic response to industrialisation and sees a larger role for the state in preserving social cohesion including in addressing inequalities

New right neo conservatism

seeks to renew the principles of traditional conservatism in a modern context with an authoritative state that will intervene to prevent the development of a permissive society where individuals have too much freedom at the expense of collective law and order

neo liberalism

seeks to maximise individual freedom and is based on an optimistic view of human nature and a radical vision of a small largely non interventionist state

core ideas shared by most

human imperfection, human nature is fundamentally flawed (bar neo libs)

social and economic inequalities are natural and desirable (traditional and neo libs)

what do all conservatives agree on fully

capitalism is the best economic system but they disagree over how far it should be regulated by the state

what did Hobbes draw on for his ideas on human nature

original sin

Hobbes view of human nature

humans naturally selfish and therefore incapable of making rational decisions that benefit anyone else

Burke human nature

only the ruling aristocracy had the necessary powers of reason to make the right political decisions

Oakeshott human nature

more faith in the ability of individuals to make decisions in their own interest and doubted whether politicians could set aside their own self interest for public good

‘fallible but not terrible’

Empiricism

the belief that decisions should be based on evidence, means relying on experience and tradition, not abstract theory, to guide political decisions and change society gradually.

human nature

fixed and flawed

cynical

sceptical

forgiving (Oakeshott)

Hobbes and state

defended the authoritarian power of an absolute monarchy

Burke and the state

right of the aristocracy to rule and fiercely opposed french revolution

Noblesse oblige

those in power have a duty to look after those underneath them

Hobbes vision for a state

an awe inspiring monster which compelled citizens into obedience but never sought to address inequalities

Burke and the state

society is organic meaning it is a self regulating creature that the state doesn’t need to interfere with, outlined society of little platoons which were hierarchical military style units led by aristocrats

state intervention and traditional conservatives

differ

Hobbes said it should just uphold law and order

Burke accepted it would need to change to conserve including by expanding social and economic programmes

Oakeshott believed capitalism was best system but acknowledged that the state might occasionally have to intervene to guard against market volatility

why did one nation conservatism emerge

the increasing gap between rich and poor was in danger of splitting Britian into to nations which would risk revolution ‘palace is not safe if the cottage is not happy’

One nation conservatism and the state

should intervene more to elevate the condition of the people, Macmillan believed in mixed economy to provide equal opportunities

Atomism

New right view that human beings prioritise autonomy leading to only a vague awareness of society

neoconservatism

state needs to impose more traditional values to prevent the breakdown of social bonds

Reagan and Thatcher

combined neo conservative social and foreign policy with neoliberal economics

neoliberalism

state should limit its role and unleash the potential of individuals and have a more optimistic view of human nature

Ayn Rand and Nozick views on human

rational and capable of governing their own lives without interference from the state or social hierarchies

Minarchist state

Nozick, a state where the only responsibility is to prevent private business from exploiting individuals, every other service carried out by the state would be done by private organisations

neoliberal ideas on society

• competition produced by free market capitalism should be celebrated

• libertarianism instead of paternalism

• atomism

Rand quote about selfishness

‘Virtue of selfishness’ would accelerate social progress

Nozick on tax

all tax is theft

society

organic (Burke and Oakeshott)

rejection of natural society

importance of tradition

rand human nature

objectivist; we are guided by rational self interest and the pursuit of self interest

nozick human nature

egotistical; humans driven by a quest for self ownership

burke and human natue

sceptical, we are marked by gap between aspiration and achievement

Hobbes and human nature

cynical, humans driven by a restless desire for supremacy

Hobbes and society and the state

there can be no society without the creation of a state bringing law and order to the chaotic state of nature

Hobbes and extent of states power

should be a contractual but strong and awesome state which promises to totally uphold law and order

Ayn Rand and the state

should confine itself to law and order, any positive liberty is wrong