How do the different strands of conservatism differ with their views of society?

1- Example

Traditional Conservatism and One Nation Conservatism have distinct approaches to societal cohesion and the role of the state

1-Concept

Stability and cohesion are central to how these conservative strands view the role of social institutions and state intervention

1-Burke- Key Concept

Organic society and historical continuity.

1-Burke- Quote

“Society is indeed a contract… between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are yet to be born.”

1-Burke- Application

Burke emphasises that society is an evolving organism that must be nurtured through respect for established institutions and gradual change. He argues that preserving tradition and institutions ensures stability and continuity

1-CA- Example

One Nation Conservatism supports more proactive state intervention to address social inequalities and promote cohesion

1-CA- Oakeshott-Concept

Practical and cautious governance.

1-CA- Oakeshott-Quote

“To be conservative is to prefer the familiar to the unknown, to prefer the tried to the untried.”

1-CA- Oakeshott-Application

Oakeshott’s approach aligns with One Nation Conservatism’s emphasis on adapting to social needs through gradual and pragmatic reforms, aiming to balance tradition with necessary change.

1-Similarity-Example

Both Traditional and One Nation Conservatism value societal stability and cohesion. Traditional Conservatism focuses on preserving established institutions, while One Nation Conservatism supports state intervention to address social issues

1-Similarity-Key Concept

Both strands recognize the importance of societal stability, though they approach it through preservation and reform respectively.

1-Judgement

Burke’s Traditional Conservatism values the preservation of institutions and gradual change to maintain social stability, while Oakeshott’s One Nation Conservatism advocates for pragmatic reforms to address social inequalities. Both strands prioritize societal stability but differ in their methods—preservation versus proactive reform.

2- Example

The New Right and Neoconservatism offer differing views on the role of the state and society, especially regarding economic policies and moral values.

2- Key Concept

The New Right emphasizes economic freedom and minimal state intervention, while Neoconservatism focuses on moral values and social order.

2-Rand- Concept

 Rational individualism and minimal state.

2-Rand- Quote

 “The only proper purpose of a government is to protect individual rights.”

2-Rand- Application

Rand’s Objectivism advocates for minimal government intervention to allow individuals to pursue their own happiness and self-interest. Her philosophy supports a free-market economy as essential for individual freedom and societal progress.

2-Counterpoint-Example

Neoconservatism, while also valuing individual responsibility, emphasizes the need for moral values and a strong state to maintain social order

2-Counterpoint-Nozick-Concept

Minimal state and individual rights.

2-Counterpoint-Nozick-Quote

“Taxation is akin to forced labor.”

2-Counterpoint-Nozick-Application

Nozick argues that the state’s role should be limited to protecting individual rights and enforcing contracts, aligning with the New Right's advocacy for minimal state intervention. Neoconservatives, however, believe in a more active role for the state in promoting moral values.

2-Similarity-Example

Both the New Right and Neoconservatism recognize the need for a stable society but differ in their focus. The New Right prioritizes economic freedom and minimal state involvement, while Neoconservatism emphasizes moral order and a more involved state

2-Similarity-Concept

Both perspectives aim to create a stable society but differ in their emphasis—economic freedom versus moral guidance

2-Judgement

The New Right, influenced by Rand’s Objectivism, promotes minimal government and economic freedom. Neoconservatism, while also valuing individual responsibility, stresses the need for moral values and social order. Both strands seek societal stability but through different approaches—economic freedom versus moral regulation.

3- Example

Comparing how different conservative strands view society and the role of institutions and the state in maintaining order and stability.

3-Concept

Conservative views on society vary in their emphasis on tradition, reform, economic freedom, and moral order.

3-Hobbes-Concept

Strong authority to maintain social order.

3-Hobbes-Quote

“The life of man [in the state of nature] is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”

3-Hobbes-Application

Hobbes advocates for a strong, authoritative state to prevent the natural state of conflict and disorder. His view contrasts with the more gradual and reformist approaches of other conservative thinkers

3-Counterpoint-Example

Other conservative thinkers offer different perspectives on society and the state.

3-Counterpoint-Burke-Concept

Organic society and gradual change

3-Counterpoint-Burke-Quote

 “Society is indeed a contract… between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are yet to be born.”

3-Counterpoint-Burke-Application

Burke’s approach emphasizes preserving established institutions and traditions to maintain stability, in contrast to Hobbes’ call for a strong authoritative state

3-Similarity-Example

Across conservative thought, there is a common recognition of the need for societal order and stability, though methods differ. Hobbes advocates for strong authority, while Burke supports gradual change through tradition.

3-Similarity-Concept

All conservative perspectives prioritize societal stability and order but propose different means of achieving it.

3-Judgement

Conservative views on society vary from Hobbes’ advocacy for strong authority to Burke’s emphasis on tradition and gradual change. Despite differing approaches, all strands seek to maintain societal stability and order, though their methods and focuses differ significantly