Conservatism
Conservatism Notes
Traditional Conservatism
1. Pragmatism
Advocates for a flexible approach to social issues, emphasizing change that aligns with conservative values.
Burke highlighted the dangers of radical change and favored steady alterations that reflect societal needs.
2. Tradition
Essential for identity, stability, and social cohesion.
Established customs and practices provide familiarity and reassurance.
Quote by GK Chesterton: ‘Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes: our ancestors.’
3. Human Imperfection
Recognizes human psychological limitations, necessitating structure and order.
Implies strict law enforcement is crucial to deter morally ambiguous behaviors, as humans are inherently flawed.
4. Organicism
Views society as a living entity; individuals find purpose and security through their roles.
Supports gradual, organic changes rather than disruptive reforms, emphasizing community interconnectivity.
5. Paternalism
Advocates for a benevolent authority that guides citizens, akin to familial relationships.
Emphasizes the belief that the state knows best and encourages compliance as an expression of duty.
6. Libertarianism
Generally rejects libertarian ideology in favor of an organic state that values the continuity and stability of society over individual freedoms.
One Nation Conservatism
1. Pragmatism
Emphasizes a practical approach to governance, seeking balance between individual rights and collective responsibilities.
Acknowledges the need for gradual reforms to maintain social cohesion and prevent division.
2. Tradition
Supports preserving established customs while addressing modern challenges.
Aims to unify people by recognizing the significance of historical institutions in shaping the future.
3. Human Imperfection
Shares the traditional view of human limitations and the need for guidance from the ruling elite.
Recognizes that society must create structures to ensure security and stability for all classes.
4. Organicism
Echoes the belief that society is interrelated and should develop cohesively.
Disraeli's vision emphasized that everyone has a role within the societal framework, promoting mutual responsibility among classes.
5. Paternalism
Advocates for a caring and protective approach from the state towards its citizens.
Emphasizes the obligation of the wealthy to care for the less fortunate, rooted in moral responsibility.
6. Libertarianism
Generally rejects the extreme individualism of libertarianism, focusing instead on a communal approach that values social stability over unregulated freedom.
New Right Conservatism
1. Pragmatism
Favors ideology over pragmatism, believing in firm, theory-based principles.
Sees humans as rational and capable of improving their world, contrasting the traditional conservative view.
2. Tradition
Pursues radical changes to society while asserting the importance of past values.
Emphasizes rapid transformations based on neoliberal economics and social authoritarianism.
3. Human Imperfection
Exhibits two contrasting views: a belief in rational self-interest (neoliberalism) and a need for authority and moral guidance (neoconservatism).
Recognizes individuals as flawed but capable of rational choice under the right circumstances.
4. Organicism
Neoliberalism rejects the idea of an organic society, focusing on individualism.
Neoconservatism values authority and traditional values to maintain social order, echoing traditional conservative views.
5. Paternalism
Neoconservatism reflects an authoritarian approach, prioritizing ideological convictions over individual needs.
Emphasizes strict law enforcement and moral standards, contrasting with the traditional notion of paternalism.
6. Libertarianism
Neoliberalism is aligned with libertarianism in promoting minimal state interference in the economy.
However, neoconservative elements show reluctance to extend this individual freedom to social life, creating a contradiction within the New Right framework.
Key Thinkers in Conservatism
Thomas Hobbes
Key Views:
Humans are naturally selfish and violent, leading to chaos without a strong authority.
Advocated for an absolute sovereign power to provide peace and security.
Quote: "The life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." This reflects his belief in the necessity of a powerful government to maintain order.
Edmund Burke
Key Views:
Emphasized the importance of tradition and gradual change in society.
Criticized the French Revolution; argued that radical changes threaten societal stability.
Quote: "A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation." This shows his belief in the need for cautious reform rather than abrupt change.
Michael Oakeshott
Key Views:
Believed that politics should be guided by the unpredictable nature of human experience.
Advocated for a focus on tradition and a skepticism towards rigid ideologies.
Quote: "To be a conservative is to prefer the familiar to the unknown, to prefer the tried to the untried." This captures his view on the importance of established practices in governance.
Ayn Rand
Key Views:
Emphasized individualism and the moral right of individuals to pursue their happiness.
Advocated for laissez-faire capitalism and minimal government interference.
Quote: "The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me." This illustrates her strong stance on personal freedom and individualism.
Robert Nozick
Key Views:
Criticized redistributive justice, advocating for a minimal state that protects individual rights.
Supported a free-market economy and voluntary exchange as central to social justice.
Quote: "Taxation of earnings is on a par with forced labor." This statement underscores his belief in individual property rights and minimal state intervention.