Key principles and themes of Conservatism
Principles
Pragmatism
Tradition
Human Imperfection
Organic society or state
Paternalism
Libertarianism
Themes
Human nature
The state
Society
The economy
Key thinkers
Thomas Hobbes (traditional)
Edmund Burke
Michael Oakeshott
Ayn Rand
Robert Nozick
Pragmatism
, The idea that decisions should be made on what has worked in the past and practical experience, not ideological thinking
Traditional conservatism One-nation conservatism
- Change to conserve – change is necessary in order to stay relevant - Have similar attitudes in term of social reform, but adopted a
in shifting circumstances. ‘middle way’ approach
- The idea that change should come naturally and through evolution - Accept some sorts of ideological thinking in order to encourage
for the state to survive wealth creation through private enterprise and generate funding
- A revolution would lead to conflict and chaos for state welfare programmes
Tradition
Originally, the idea that institutions, customs and practices have religious roots and humans should not alter longstanding social
arrangements as that would be challenging the will of God + provides society with a strong view of identity
Traditional conservatism One-nation conservatism Neo conservatives
- The idea that institutions, customs and Not as strong on tradition as know that some Neoconservatives believe that tradition should
practices that have worked in the past practices will need to change over time in order be viewed as an evolving and dynamic force,
should be available to those in the to stay relevant in society rather than a static set of values and institutions.
present and those are yet to be born to They believe that tradition can and should be
ensure ‘equality of opportunity’ adapted to meet the changing needs of modern
Edmund Burke – ‘Tradition’ society, while still preserving its core values and
principles
Principles
Pragmatism
Tradition
Human Imperfection
Organic society or state
Paternalism
Libertarianism
Themes
Human nature
The state
Society
The economy
Key thinkers
Thomas Hobbes (traditional)
Edmund Burke
Michael Oakeshott
Ayn Rand
Robert Nozick
Pragmatism
, The idea that decisions should be made on what has worked in the past and practical experience, not ideological thinking
Traditional conservatism One-nation conservatism
- Change to conserve – change is necessary in order to stay relevant - Have similar attitudes in term of social reform, but adopted a
in shifting circumstances. ‘middle way’ approach
- The idea that change should come naturally and through evolution - Accept some sorts of ideological thinking in order to encourage
for the state to survive wealth creation through private enterprise and generate funding
- A revolution would lead to conflict and chaos for state welfare programmes
Tradition
Originally, the idea that institutions, customs and practices have religious roots and humans should not alter longstanding social
arrangements as that would be challenging the will of God + provides society with a strong view of identity
Traditional conservatism One-nation conservatism Neo conservatives
- The idea that institutions, customs and Not as strong on tradition as know that some Neoconservatives believe that tradition should
practices that have worked in the past practices will need to change over time in order be viewed as an evolving and dynamic force,
should be available to those in the to stay relevant in society rather than a static set of values and institutions.
present and those are yet to be born to They believe that tradition can and should be
ensure ‘equality of opportunity’ adapted to meet the changing needs of modern
Edmund Burke – ‘Tradition’ society, while still preserving its core values and
principles
