human imperfection and the organic state

psychological imperfection

• as limited and dependant beings humans desire familiarity safety and the security of knowing their place in society

• consequently people need social order rather than liberty. an ordered society provides security, predictability and stability liberty brings choice change and uncertainty

moral imperfection

• as naturally selfish beings humans are imperfect thus human nature accounts for anti social or criminal behaviour not social or economic depravation

• a tough law and order system that punishes such conduct is the only deterrent capable of tackling human moral imperfection

intellectual imperfection

• humans lack the intellect and powers of reasoning to understand the complex world

• conservatives therefore reject theories or ideology’s that claim to explain or predict the development of human society intead humans should be pragmatic and rely on history tradition and practical experience to understand their place in this world

links to human nature

• the state has to impose tough law and order policies to deter criminal behaviour and pursue foreign policies based on national security, not liberal notions of international cooperation and harmony

• society: has to be based on authority, hierarchy and paternalism in order to provide people with stability predictability and security

• an economy based on capitalism is more powerful motivator than altruism since humans are self interested

features of an organic society

• authority: top down authority shapes relations between different social groups and permeates all social institutions such as schools and families. authority provides humans with direction and security, promotes social cohesion by showing people where they fit in and offers leadership roles to be admired and respected

• paternalism: the most advantaged have the greatest social responsibilities for example managers are paid more than their workers because their rile is more demanding but they are obliged to protect the jobs and economic well being of their work forces in this way economic inequality is justified

• hierarchy: a hierarchy based on fixed ranks and inequalities, partly because humans vary in terms of their intellects and skills etc and partly because different groups or classes have to perform different roles in society such as political leadership business management or manual work

• traditional institutions long standing institutions play a key role in preserving the health of society and the state and meet the human need for security they should not be radically changed or abolished

• living organism society functions as a living organism with all its carefully balanced parts working together in harmony to ensure the body remains healthy, social cohesion is preserved and atomism avoided