Conservatism

Explain and analyse how conservative thinkers view human nature

• Pessimistic view of human nature - individuals are driven by ruthless self interest EG Hobbes argued that without formal authority life would be ‘nasty, brutish and short’; state with strong influential laws is needed to prevent hatred and war

• Mankind is fallible and though perfection can be perceived, it is not possible. This is reflected in Edmund Burke’s critique of the Idealistic French Revolution; Significant because conservatives reject drastic change and want to conserve society

• Human nature is modest; rejected overly pessimistic views of Hobbes and Burke. There should be no ‘should be’ society and instead individuals can get pleasure from the ‘humdrum business of everyday life’ and said that Conservatives prefer the ‘actual to the unknown’ etc; traditions and customs to modernity allowing individual to enjoy opportunities life brings.

What is localism?

A key concept by Conservatives emphasised by Burke’s ‘little platoons’ in society, that would provide their individuals with security, status, and inspiration and acting as a break upon selfish individualism - reflects Burke’s critique of French monolithic society which may override local loyalties

What is organicism?

society emerges gradually and organically. Conservatives see the ‘reality’ of an unplanned organic society and is less like a machine, responsive to whichever levers are pulled by human hands, and more like a plant which grows in a way that can never whollyy be predicted.

What is empiricism?

‘This is how it is’; no clear view of how society might evolve in the future. Contrasts to the NORMATIVE view taken by progressive ideologies like liberalism and socialism. Oakeshott - staying afloat, rather than sailing towards a specific destination which may prove illusory.

Key concepts of society

Localism

Organicism

Empiricism

Tradition; change and reform slow, not drastic, like a plant.

Hierarchy; less egalitarian, inequalities leads to unequal society establishes a hierarchy. BUT with this comes paternalism; organic (like father and child)responsibility for the latter.

Judaeo-Christian morality; original sin, you control your own fate. his stresses marriage, families and individuals being accountable for their actions. Altruism and compassion helps bind individuals together.

Property; inherited by one generation to another - Burke - a ‘partnership between those who are living and those who are yet to be born’. It also provides a platform and incentive for property owners to exercise ‘duty of care’ towards others.

Key principles of the state

order and authority; disciplinary function to provide order and authority THE STATE PRECEDES SOCIETY.

Organic institutions; contrasting link to Hobbes (who argued for the contract), and conservatives favour a state that emerges gradually and more pragmatic response to humanity’s needs (Conservatives more likely to favour uncodified constitution)

A ruling class overtly hierarchal, reflecting elitist society they endorse. Paternalistic - merits class that was born and trained to be pragmatic and empirical by birth. They might be wary of democracy because legislators make best decisions for society and so avert social upheaval.

The nation state; nationhood. state defines nation, especially in UK and America like with presidents and monarchs. Paradoxical with New Right.

Explain and analyse how conservative thinkers view the state

Hobbes: Arises contractually - must be autocratic and awesome. State keeps order.

Ayn Rand: Confine itself to law, order, and national security, State intervention should be resisted (positive liberty)

Michael Oakshott: guided by tradition and practical concerns. Pragmatism, not dogamtism.

Explain and analyse how conservative thinkers view society

Hobbes: No society until the creation of a state brings order.

Burke: little platoons - localism.

Nozick: Geared to individual fulfilment - may lead to a plethora of small, variable communities.

Explain and analyse how conservative thinkers viewed the economy

Rand: expression of ‘objectivist’ individualism and should not be hindered by the state.

Nozick: Minarchist state should detatch itself from privatised and deregulated economy, merely arbitrating disputed between private economic organisations.

Burke: organic free markets and laissez faire capitalism

Explain and analyse three ways that conservative thinkers view tradition

Explain and analyse three ways in which conservatism differs from socialism

Explain and analyse three ways that conservatives have justified private property

Explain and analyse three differences between traditional conservatism and modern forms of conservatism