political ideology chapter 3
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What is conservatism primarily concerned with?
The maintenance of order, tradition, and stability through cautious, pragmatic change rather than radical reform.
How did conservatism emerge historically?
As a reaction to the French Revolution (1789) and Enlightenment rationalism, which conservatives saw as destabilizing forces.
What does the principle of tradition mean in conservatism?
Traditions embody accumulated wisdom; they provide continuity and identity. Change should build on the past, not reject it.
How do conservatives view human nature?
Pessimistically — humans are imperfect, driven by emotion and self-interest, needing authority, law, and order to curb their flaws.
What is meant by organic society?
Society is like a living organism — its parts (classes, institutions, roles) depend on each other; sudden change harms the whole.
What role does authority play in conservative thought?
Authority provides guidance, discipline, and stability; it’s natural and beneficial, arising organically from experience and hierarchy.
Why do conservatives value property?
Property promotes responsibility, independence, and respect for others’ property; it binds individuals to society and order.
What does pragmatism mean to conservatives?
The belief that decisions should be based on practical experience and what works, not abstract theories or ideological blueprints.
What distinguishes traditional conservatism?
Emphasizes hierarchy, duty, religion, and the organic nature of society. Inspired by Burke’s warnings against revolution.
What is One-Nation Conservatism?
A paternalistic form of conservatism (Disraeli) that seeks to bridge class divisions by ensuring social reform and welfare to maintain harmony.
What is paternalism?
The idea that the privileged have a moral duty to care for the less fortunate, maintaining social cohesion (“noblesse oblige”).
What are the two main strands of the New Right?
Neoliberalism: Free markets, deregulation, privatization, minimal state. Neoconservatism: Moral order, strong state, patriotism, family values.
What tension exists within the New Right?
Neoliberalism promotes individual freedom, while neoconservatism supports moral authority and social control — a built-in contradiction.
How does conservatism differ from liberalism?
Conservatism values tradition and hierarchy; liberalism prioritizes individual liberty and progress through reason.
How does conservatism differ from socialism?
Conservatism accepts inequality as natural; socialism seeks equality and collective ownership.
Who is the “father of modern conservatism”?
Edmund Burke – argued that society is an organic partnership between generations and warned against radical revolution.
What did Burke mean by “change in order to conserve”?
Gradual reform is necessary to preserve stability and tradition; rejecting all change leads to decay and revolution.
How did Thomas Hobbes influence conservative thought?
Emphasized the need for strong sovereign authority to control selfish human nature and prevent anarchy.
What was Benjamin Disraeli’s contribution?
Founded One-Nation Conservatism, promoting social reform and paternalism to unite rich and poor in national harmony.
What was Michael Oakeshott’s main idea?
Conservatism is a disposition, not an ideology — a preference for the known over the unknown; political activity should be guided by practical experience.
What did Friedrich Hayek argue?
Central economic planning leads to tyranny; only free markets preserve liberty and efficiency.
What was Margaret Thatcher’s version of conservatism?
New Right — combined neoliberal economics (free markets) with neoconservative values (authority, morality, patriotism).
What was Roger Scruton’s key belief?
Conservatism is rooted in love of home, tradition, and inherited social order; it defends cultural continuity against modern relativism.
Define organicism.
Society functions as a living organism where each part has a natural place; artificial change disrupts its harmony.