Conservatism

pragmatic approach

• practical experience ahead of theory and ideology

• looks to ensure social stability and cohesion

• suggests that politics should be based on circumstances and events rather than ideological objectives 

the type of change Burke likes and why

• organic, gradual change 

• Change to conserve- keep the status quo 

• brings about necessary change peacefully, through evolution rather than revolution causing conflict and chaos   

why would conservatives now not want to change devolution 

• radical change, which would upset the status quo

• would upset an established union that was created-excepts change in order to conserve

importance of empiricism for Burke

• tradition and empiricism link to Burke’s views on change- representing the accumulated and tested wisdom of the past and so should be respected 

• they provide continuity, stability and historical identity 

atomism

the idea that society is made up of self-interested/self-sufficient individuals (egoistical individualism in liberalism)

• describes increasing social breakdown and isolation

hierarchy

a society ordered on an unequal basis, with those at the top holding authority and those on lower levels obeying them

rationalism

the belief that humans have an innate understanding of right and wrong and can make logical/rational decisions and not emotive decisions

Hobbe’s thoughts on human nature

• humans are flawed and are needy, vulnerable and easily lead astray in trying to understand the world

• humans are incapable of making rational decisions are naturally selfish

• human nature is constant- will never evolve

the state of nature 

a hypothetical situation where humans were equal and free, not needing to answer to authority 

• it would turn into a ‘restless desire for power' leading to a conflict a war of ‘every man against every man’ 

how did Oakeshott’s view on human nature differ from Hobbes’ and Burke’s

• he believed that humans are fallible but not terrible and imperfect but not immoral

• he offered some optimism in his view of humanity in enjoyment of the existing good things rather than chasing an ideal that could not be reached

Hobbe’s Leviathan 

• argued for almost total obedience to absolute government, the alternative being chaos 

• argued that individuals give up their personal freedom to obtain order 

• absolute authority of the state to avoid the ‘natural condition of mankind’ violence, insecurity and constant threats 

psychological human imperfection

• humans are limited and dependent

• places a premium on social order rather than liberty- order provides predictability and stability

• liberty raises the unsettling prospect of change and uncertainty

moral human imperfection

• humans are morally imperfect as they’re naturally selfish and greedy

• antisocial/criminal behavior is a result of basic human nature, not attributed with socioeconomic disadvantages

intellectual human imperfection 

• humans do not possess the mental facilities to makes sense of a complex modern world 

• this is why conservatives reject overarching ideologies/theories that predict the development of human nature- tradition, history and practical experience are needed 

structure of a pragmatic state

• emphasises caution, gradualism and continuity

• introduces necessary change/reform without endangering social cohesion or stability

• state institutions and practices that have proved ‘fit for purpose’ overtime should be preserved for the benefit of future generations

• society will become unstable and chaotic without state authority

hard paternalism 

a from of government not concerned with consent- imposed in a more authoritarian manner 

• refers to government policies that restrict individual’s choices for their own good 

soft paternalism

the government act in a fatherly authoritative way, looking after needs and regulating the behavior of citizens

• recipients giver their consent