conservatism falsh cards paper 1

Traditional Conservatism – Core Beliefs

• Human nature: flawed, irrational, dependent on tradition.

• Society: organic, hierarchical, rooted in history.

• State: strong, authoritative, pragmatic, evolves naturally.

• Economy: support capitalism with some regulation for stability.

One-Nation Conservatism – Core Beliefs

• Paternalism (“noblesse oblige”).

• Prevent division between rich/poor (“two nations”).

• Support limited welfare + moderate state intervention.

• Goal: maintain social cohesion + avoid revolution.

New Right – Neoliberalism

• Human nature: rational, self-interested, self-reliant.

• State: minimal (“night-watchman”).

• Economy: free markets, low tax, privatisation, deregulation.

• Reject welfare; individual responsibility.

New Right – Neoconservatism

• Human nature: flawed, needs discipline.

• State: strong authoritarian role in law/order, morality, nationhood.

• Society: traditional values, anti-permissiveness, nationalism.

• Economy: accept neoliberal free-market.

Edmund Burke (Traditional)

• Organic society + hierarchy.

• Tradition = wisdom of the ages.

• Support gradual, evolutionary change.

Michael Oakeshott (Traditional)

• Humans are “fallible not terrible.”

• Pragmatic politics: “keep the ship afloat,” avoid ideology.

• Tradition provides stability.

Benjamin Disraeli (One-Nation)

• Warned of “two nations” (rich vs poor).

• Promote paternalism + social reform.

• Protect cohesion through limited welfare.

Ayn Rand (New Right – Neoliberal)

• Objectivism: rational self-interest is moral.

• Free-market capitalism.

• State should only protect rights → no welfare.

Robert Nozick (New Right – Neoliberal)

• Self-ownership; strong property rights.

• Taxes = “forced labour.”

• Minimal state: police, courts, defence only.

THEMES FLASHCARDS — Integrating All Strands + Thinkers

Theme 1 — Human Nature

Traditional: flawed, irrational → need order (Burke, Oakeshott).
One-Nation: flawed but elites must support poor (Disraeli).
Neoliberal: rational + self-reliant (Rand, Nozick).
Neocon: flawed → need discipline + moral authority.

Theme 2 — The State

Traditional: strong, organic, authoritative (Burke).
One-Nation: moderate welfare + paternalism (Disraeli).
Neoliberal: minimal state, anti-welfare (Rand, Nozick).
Neocon: strong authoritarian state on law/order + morality.

Theme 3 — Society

Traditional: organic, hierarchical, tradition (Burke, Oakeshott).
One-Nation: society must remain united (Disraeli).
Neoliberal: society = individuals + contracts (Rand, Nozick).
Neocon: social discipline, family values, nationalism.

Theme 4 — The Economy

Traditional: pro-capitalist but pragmatic regulation.
One-Nation: mixed economy + welfare to avoid division.
Neoliberal: pure free-market capitalism (Rand, Nozick).
Neocon: free market for national strength.