Core value - paternalism

Definition

• Power exercised over others

• Intnetion: provide benefit, prevent harm

Consequences of paternalism in society

• Limits to individual freedom

• Focus on what benefits wider society

Similarity to the family

• Pater = father

• Father (state) is authority figure

  • Father (state) responsible for welfare of wife and kids (rest of society)

  • Father (state) knows what’s best for his wife and children (society)

Burke - connecting paternalism to class

• Upper class should govern

Reasons for Burke’s view

• There’s a natural hierarchy in society

  • Wisdom and experience are unequally distributed

    • Each class should know and accept their place

• Those in authority know best and have a duty of care to the lower classes

Link to other core values

• Organic society

  • Whole society > individual

• Hierarchy and authority

  • Some classes know better

  • Noblesse oblige