traditional conservatives

what are traditional conservatives committed to

heirarchic and paternalistic values

what work is TC linked to

the work of Burke

what is TC grounded in

Grounded in the belief that hierarchy is necessary for society to function. People need to accept their place and carry out their associated duties/ responsibilities> Linked with nobless oblige 

TC belief about human nature

• Pessimistic view 

• Humans are flawed, fallible, driven by self-interest 

• Reject utopian ideals- “the crooked timber of humanity” (Kant)

what does Hobbes say in regards to human nature

Hobbes: Humans are naturally “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”- need a sovereign to prevent chaos

what does Oakshott say in regards to human nature

humans are “fallible but not terrible”- need guidance, not liberation 

what do TC’s believe about the state

Strong state needed to maintain order and authority 

what do TC’s prefer over radical change

heirarchy and paternalism and emphasies pragmatism (slow evolutionary reform)

thus hate the English civil war and the french and american revolution

whats does Burke say in regards to the state

Burke- “a state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation”

TC view on society

organic view- society is a living organism with interconnected roles and hierarchy.

change must be gradual and respect traditions as society is best left alone

what does Burke say in regards to society

society is a "partnership between those who are living, those who are dead and those who are yet to be born”

what does Oakshott say in regards to society

society should resemble a conversation between generations, not a grand plan 

what do TC’s believe in regards to economy

• Support private property and capitalism but with moral responsibilities 

• Pragmatic rather than dogmatic- accept some intervention to avoid revolution

what do TC’s disliek in regards to the economy

• Dislike free-market radicalism (unlike New RIght). Unregulated markets threaten social cohesion (unpredictable as its not quantifiable) 

what does Burke say in regards to the economy

• property rights are part of preserving tradition and order 

what does Oakshott say in regards to the economy

conservatives are sceptical of rational plans- including radical economic ideologies