Introduction to conservatism

Where did Conservatism emerge from

• Came as a response to the changes unleashed by the French Revolution in the late 18th century.

• Argued for the preservation of what was valuable in society and argued for pragmatic, gradual change.

Who pioneered some ideas and developed the principles of conservatism

• Thomas Hobbes pioneered some of these ideas (preservation of what is valuable, in society, gradual change)

• Edmund Burke developed the principles of Conservatsim - tradiotion with pragmatism.

• Gave way to One nation theories and further developed by New Right in late 20th century.

What are the 4 principles

• Pragmatism

• Tradition

• Human Imperfection

• Organic Society

• Paternalism

• Libertarianism

What are the 4 themes

• The state

• Human Nature

• Economy

• Society

What are the key points of Traditional Conservatives

• Defends Established institutions and values as safeguards for societal stability

• Views society as organic -naturally developed to support humans

• Emphasis- Tradition and Hierarchy

• Humans as imperfect - requiring guidance from those who know better,

Key points of One Nation conservatives

Originated from Benjamin Disraeli in response to industrialisation.

• Aim to bridge inequality between rich and poor (“two nations”)

• Advocates gradual reforms to improve working-class conditions

• Goal - to preserve society and the ruling elites position by reducing social divisions

Key points or New Right conservatives

• Emerged in the 1970s as a radical shift from traditional conservatism

• Combines economic freedom (Neo-liberal/free market )

• Social authoritarianism (Neo-conservative - strong state on moral)

• Associated with Thatcher’s government- rejects pragmatism

Name the key thinkers

• Thomas Hobbes - TC

• Edmund Burke - TC

• Michael Oakeshott - Traditional + pragmatism

• Robert Nozick - libertarian ideas

• Any Rand - more similar to new right