CONSERVATISM ON SOCIETY

what do they agree on?

A strong state is key to providing order in society.

AGREE (A strong state is key to providing order in society.)

example from hobbes

Hobbes argued in his work ‘Leviathan’ that in the absence of a strong state human life would fall into a state of conflict this was due to his believe that humans are ruthless and driven by self-interest. – strong leader to impose order.

AGREE (A strong state is key to providing order in society.)

what did TNR think? example from Rand

without state there would be conflict as different humans pursuing their own self-interest would clash

Ayn rand argued that the states only legitimate role was to provide security and order to prevent violence. In ‘The Virtue of Selfishness’ she wrote “the only proper purpose of a govt is to protect man’s rights, which means: to protect him from physical violence.

What do they disagree on?

1. Traditional and ONC believe in an organic society; they see society as a lving organism that develops naturally and needs to be kept alive. This is strongly rejected by the New Right which instead believes in atomism.

2. The New Right rejects trad and ONC beliefs in paternalism and hierarchy

DISAGREE (Traditional and ONC believe in an organic society V TNR Atomism)

example from Burke

Burke emphasised that change must be cautious and organic to preserve stability and order in society. Burke advocated for what he called “little platoons” of society meaning smaller communities. He argued that they are essential to contribute to the stability and well-being of the larger social organism

DISAGREE (Traditional and ONC believe in an organic society V TNR Atomism)

example from Oakeshott

Oakeshott argued that ideologies promising a “perfect society” tend to oversimplify complex situation. Instead, we should, value traditions and existing institutions, make gradual cautious changes and focus on what works in practice.

DISAGREE (Traditional and ONC believe in an organic society V TNR Atomism)

example from Disraeli

Disraeli also emphasised patriotism and the idea of a cohesive society by supporting the idea that everyone was together in one nation. He believed that emphasising national unity and shared values was essential to counter me class divisions and conflict stoked by-socialist ideologies

DISAGREE (Traditional and ONC believe in an organic society V TNR Atomism)

What is atomism? example from Rand

Atomism = the belief that society is made up of distinct independent individuals.

Rand ‘The Virtue of Selfishness’ – “the smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities” – individuals are the most important part of society.

DISAGREE (The New Right rejects trad and ONC beliefs in paternalism and hierarchy)

example from Burke

Burke criticised the French Revolution's emphasis on equality, arguing that the ruling class was both inevitable and desirable in all organic societies. He believed the elite had a duty to care for those below them.

DISAGREE (The New Right rejects trad and ONC beliefs in paternalism and hierarchy)

example from Disraeli

Disraeli governments social reforms such as the Public Health Act of 1875 and the Artisans’ and Labourers’ Dwellings Improvement Act of 1875, which improved public health and sanitary conditions in towns and cities.

DISAGREE (The New Right rejects trad and ONC beliefs in paternalism and hierarchy)

example from Rand

strongly rejects paternalism. Supports individualism

RAND believed that humans should be left alone to follow their own self-interest, condemning any attempts by the state to alter society and arguing against personal altruism.