Conservatism - views on human nature

What are the 3 imperfections conservatives believe characterise human nature?

Psychological, moral, intellectual imperfections that impinge on human reasoning and behavior.

How does their belief in imperfections shape other beliefs?

They believe that this is constant, no matter the circumstance, so considerations of freedom, law and order and social hierarchy must be understood within this context.

What alternative do conservatives propose to abstract philosophical theorising?

Pragmatic observations of human nature.

Psychological imperfections - what are they?

Humans are inherently psychologically dependent and security seeking, the roots of which reside in a fear of mortality.

Why do conservatives believe humans naturally gravitate toward the familiar?

As we are both imperfect and imperfectible, always fearing isolation and insecurity, so we search for safety + stability.

What do Conservatives believe humans are prepared to relinquish in return for security?

Liberty

Moral imperfection - why?

Humans are naturally greedy and selfish.

What do humans base their views on rather than abstract moral principles?

On non-rational urges and instincts.

How does the Story of Adam and Eve shape the Conservatives’ views?

Classical conservatism has a Christian backdrop, so sees humans as imperfect beings prone to temptation, lust, greed and irrational impulses.H

Why do conservatives criticise notions of moral perfection?

They believe human natural doesn’t fundamentally change when social and economic environments are. Therefore, these notions are utopian, illusory and potentially dangerous.

Intellectual imperfection - what is it?

The infinite complexity of human experience and the wider world are largely beyond human understanding

Do conservatives believe humans can discover some incontrovertible truth about the human condition?

No, they have a deep distrust of the potential of a human to reason, as they are limited.

How does the belief in intellectual imperfections raise the idea of a pragmatic approach to policy?

Life is too complex, paradoxical and incomprehensible to the human mind that no single philosophical scheme can be trusted to resolve human problems.

Blaise Pascal quote about intellectual imperfection

The heart has reasons that reason cannot know.

Do conservatives believe in natural rights?

No, they don’t believe in abstract natural rights, but still believe in rights

What implications does psychological imperfection have for policies for law and order?

In favour of a more authoritarian legal and policing system. Believe the death penalty is very effective.

Punishment over rehabilitation - people will never make the right moral choices at all times.