Conservatism
Core Ideas of Conservatism
Human Nature
Almost all political ideologies, in fact, are based on a specific
understanding of the nature of humanity, whether this is explicitly
formulated or simply implied
In contrast to liberalism and socialism – a negative view of human nature
Fixed and constant – not malleable. Can't be moulded given the right
conditions
Philosophy of imperfection – Consequences – shouldn't aim for a utopian
society. Accommodation not change – Dangerous – need to be cautious
o Room for potential criticism – an ideology designed to protect
those in power? Resistance to change could imply this
Change has to be organic – human nature can't deal with mandated
change
Pragmatism
Society
Stability and security is a focus
Localism – the idea that society is made up of localised communities –
small communities with bonds between individuals. In contrast to liberals
– who believe society is atomised – held together by a series of bonds
Organicism – the idea of a natural evolution of society, which can't be
planned because human nature is flawed, and instead just evolves over
time (plant not a machine idea). Against revolution, but not necessarily
against small change (pruning the tree)
Empiricism – the idea that change should be based on evidence rather
than theory
Tradition – provides security. Particularly important for Burke. Without
tradition, society is in danger of instability. It enshapes changes and forms
future development
Hierarchy – believed to be natural and part of human nature, opposes
egalitarianism. Those at the top also have extra responsibility –
paternalistic view. Noblesse oblige view more applicable to one-nation
conservatism New right are less wedded to hierarchy.
Property – respect for property is crucial for tradition and continuity.
Often passed down, it provides stability and gives people a stake in society
and an incentive to maintain the existing society and order
The State
The state is a human community that (successfully) claims the monopoly
of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory. The state is
considered the sole source of the 'right' to use violence.
A distinction must be made between the state and the nation – the nation
is more of a pseudo-cultural identity
Order and authority – idea of a night-watchman state, there for security
only. However, one-nation conservatives also take a pragmatic view where
they believe the size of the state can change
Organic origins – when the state needs reform you allow it to reform. New
right believe in a very small state.
A ruling class – traditional and one-nation conservatives are very much in
favour as they believe it keeps order. One-nations believe in a paternalistic
, view of the ruling class. The new right are happy with changing class more
– freedom of people is more important where some people with their own
talents will be able to rise to the top, challenging the idea of a fixed
hierarchy.
The nation state – Conservatives generally in favour – pseudo-cultural
identity reflected in the state, more comfortable with the monarchy and
other patriotic symbols of tradition
The Economy
Generally pro-capitalist – but disagree on how much the state should
regulate the economy. Smithian principles of the invisible hand, where the
government shouldn’t interfere in the free market is popular. One-nation
conservatives take a less favourable view on the free market – believe in
an idea of noblesse oblige where the state should intervene in hard times.
More belief in Keynesian economics by one-nation conservatives.
'Taxation is legalised theft' - Nozick (new right). One-nation is more
pragmatic in comparison to new right's more ideological take
Hobbes
One of history's most important political thinkers, with his most consequential work
being Leviathan (1651), written during the English Civil War while he was in exile in
France
The era in which he lives is important for contextualising his political theory
It must be noted that he pre-dates conservatism, and many of his ideas are also present
in liberalism. Leviathan is published 140 years before Burke, who is often seen as the
father of conservatism.
Leviathan – 1651
Has a sceptical take on human nature – believing man will pursue his own interests at all
costs. Human nature is selfish, calculating, cynical and ruthless – without restraint, man
will engage in "envy, hatred and war".
The state of nature – the pre-state where people's behaviour is governed by ruthless
state interest. With no established version of right and wrong, there would be chaos.
Life would be "nasty, brutish and short" because human nature is flawed.
Ultimately, however, due to rationality, man will realise this is not in their interest.
Therefore, a sovereign will emerge and be in control. The sovereign has the right to do
as they see fit – in an ability to prevent the chaotic state of nature, men have given up
their natural rights for peace.
There are terrifying consequences to this – the sovereign could decide to act against
you, and you would have to accept (unless your life is in danger). The sovereign has
absolute authority
Pre-Modern and Modern State
Pre-modern – a choice between the rulers and the ruled, where politics was a struggle.
Citizens often had to take sides.
Modern – instead of a struggle, the state is constructed where both the government and
people need each other. The sovereign rules with popular consent, but the people have
no rights against them as they sacrifice this for peace. Stability is maintained through
authoritarianism
Hobbes laid the foundation for conception of the modern state, providing a basis for
arguing for a single sovereign authority to prevent chaos.
Core Ideas of Conservatism
Human Nature
Almost all political ideologies, in fact, are based on a specific
understanding of the nature of humanity, whether this is explicitly
formulated or simply implied
In contrast to liberalism and socialism – a negative view of human nature
Fixed and constant – not malleable. Can't be moulded given the right
conditions
Philosophy of imperfection – Consequences – shouldn't aim for a utopian
society. Accommodation not change – Dangerous – need to be cautious
o Room for potential criticism – an ideology designed to protect
those in power? Resistance to change could imply this
Change has to be organic – human nature can't deal with mandated
change
Pragmatism
Society
Stability and security is a focus
Localism – the idea that society is made up of localised communities –
small communities with bonds between individuals. In contrast to liberals
– who believe society is atomised – held together by a series of bonds
Organicism – the idea of a natural evolution of society, which can't be
planned because human nature is flawed, and instead just evolves over
time (plant not a machine idea). Against revolution, but not necessarily
against small change (pruning the tree)
Empiricism – the idea that change should be based on evidence rather
than theory
Tradition – provides security. Particularly important for Burke. Without
tradition, society is in danger of instability. It enshapes changes and forms
future development
Hierarchy – believed to be natural and part of human nature, opposes
egalitarianism. Those at the top also have extra responsibility –
paternalistic view. Noblesse oblige view more applicable to one-nation
conservatism New right are less wedded to hierarchy.
Property – respect for property is crucial for tradition and continuity.
Often passed down, it provides stability and gives people a stake in society
and an incentive to maintain the existing society and order
The State
The state is a human community that (successfully) claims the monopoly
of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory. The state is
considered the sole source of the 'right' to use violence.
A distinction must be made between the state and the nation – the nation
is more of a pseudo-cultural identity
Order and authority – idea of a night-watchman state, there for security
only. However, one-nation conservatives also take a pragmatic view where
they believe the size of the state can change
Organic origins – when the state needs reform you allow it to reform. New
right believe in a very small state.
A ruling class – traditional and one-nation conservatives are very much in
favour as they believe it keeps order. One-nations believe in a paternalistic
, view of the ruling class. The new right are happy with changing class more
– freedom of people is more important where some people with their own
talents will be able to rise to the top, challenging the idea of a fixed
hierarchy.
The nation state – Conservatives generally in favour – pseudo-cultural
identity reflected in the state, more comfortable with the monarchy and
other patriotic symbols of tradition
The Economy
Generally pro-capitalist – but disagree on how much the state should
regulate the economy. Smithian principles of the invisible hand, where the
government shouldn’t interfere in the free market is popular. One-nation
conservatives take a less favourable view on the free market – believe in
an idea of noblesse oblige where the state should intervene in hard times.
More belief in Keynesian economics by one-nation conservatives.
'Taxation is legalised theft' - Nozick (new right). One-nation is more
pragmatic in comparison to new right's more ideological take
Hobbes
One of history's most important political thinkers, with his most consequential work
being Leviathan (1651), written during the English Civil War while he was in exile in
France
The era in which he lives is important for contextualising his political theory
It must be noted that he pre-dates conservatism, and many of his ideas are also present
in liberalism. Leviathan is published 140 years before Burke, who is often seen as the
father of conservatism.
Leviathan – 1651
Has a sceptical take on human nature – believing man will pursue his own interests at all
costs. Human nature is selfish, calculating, cynical and ruthless – without restraint, man
will engage in "envy, hatred and war".
The state of nature – the pre-state where people's behaviour is governed by ruthless
state interest. With no established version of right and wrong, there would be chaos.
Life would be "nasty, brutish and short" because human nature is flawed.
Ultimately, however, due to rationality, man will realise this is not in their interest.
Therefore, a sovereign will emerge and be in control. The sovereign has the right to do
as they see fit – in an ability to prevent the chaotic state of nature, men have given up
their natural rights for peace.
There are terrifying consequences to this – the sovereign could decide to act against
you, and you would have to accept (unless your life is in danger). The sovereign has
absolute authority
Pre-Modern and Modern State
Pre-modern – a choice between the rulers and the ruled, where politics was a struggle.
Citizens often had to take sides.
Modern – instead of a struggle, the state is constructed where both the government and
people need each other. The sovereign rules with popular consent, but the people have
no rights against them as they sacrifice this for peace. Stability is maintained through
authoritarianism
Hobbes laid the foundation for conception of the modern state, providing a basis for
arguing for a single sovereign authority to prevent chaos.
