Edexcel A-Level Politics [Conservatism]

Pragmatism.

Pragmatism.

Flexible approach to society with decisions made on the basis of what works

Paternalism

Benign power exerted from above by the state, governs in the interest of the people

Tradition

Acculumated wisdom of past societies and a connection between the generations

Human Imperfection

Humans are flawed which makes them incapable of making good decisions for themselves

Organic society/state

State/society is more important than any individual parts

Libertarianism

(neo-liberalism) Upholds liberty, seeking to maximise autonomy and free choice, mainly in economics

Hierachy

Conservative belief that society is naturally organized in fixed unequal tiers

Authority

People in higher positions in society are best able to make decisions on behalf of others

Changes to conserve

Idea that society should adapt to changing circumstances by introducing moderate reforms
(reduce risk of rebellion or revolution)

Atomism

Society made up of self interested/self sufficient individuals
(egotistical individualism)

Traditional conservatism

Commitment to hierarchic and paternalistic values

One-nation conservatism

Updating traditional conservatism in response to the emergence of capitalism

New Right

Contains neo-liberal (free market economics and atomistic individualusm) and neo-conservatism (fear of social fragmentation, tough on law and order and public morality)

Noblesse oblige

Nobility and privilege brings with them social responsibilities, duty and obligations to care for those less fortunate

Anti-permissiveness

Rejection of permissiveness, which is the belief that people should make their own moral choices

Radical

Beliefs, ideas or attitude that favour drastic political, economic and social change

Thomas Hobbes

Order - ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life
Human nature - humans are needy, vulnerable and easily led astray whilst attempting to understand the world around them

Edmund Burke

Change - political change should be undertaken with great caution and organically
Tradition and empiricism - practise passed down for generations should be respected

Michael Oakeshott

Humans Imperfection - society is unpredictable and humans are imperfect
Pragmatism - conservatism being pragmatic

Ayn Rand

Objectivism - advocates the virtues of rational self-interest
Freedom - supports pure laissez fair capitalist economy

Robert Nozick

Libertarianism - individuals in society can't be treated as a thing or used against their will as a resource
Self ownership - individuals own their body, abilities, talents and labour

Laissez-faire

Minimal intervention in business and the state by the government

Empiricism

Knowledge comes from real experience and not from abstract theories