1
Q
Conservatism core ideas and principles
A
- Humans limited in many ways and are prone to make mistakes and unwise choices in life.
- Tempted and prone to betray others in pursuit of self-interest.
- Limited capacity in psychological terms, in moral terms they will stray
- May strive for excellence in intellectual capacity but fall way short of perfection.
2
Q
What can human imperfection be defined as
A
A view of humans as flawed and incapable of making good decisions for themselves.
3
Q
What do Conservatives agree upon in relation to human nature and society
A
Human nature carries common threads and impulses. Innate need to form society and collective groupings for advancement built on tradition and past experience.
4
Q
What do all Conservatives agree upon in relation to family
A
That the family and its support mechanisms are vital in an individuals life and this is where human nature gains its roots.
5
Q
What can Conservatism be described as according to O’Sullivan
A
‘Philosophy of human imperfection’.
6
Q
Conservative view on human imperfection
A
Other ideologies agree that humans are naturally good or can be made good, cons dismiss these ideas, basing their theories on belief human beings are imperfect and unperfectible.
7
Q
How do Conservatives disagree on human imperfection
A
As they focus on different faults of human nature: psychological, moral and intellectual imperfection. NR have a more positive view on HN.
8
Q
Who believes in psychological imperfection
A
Traditional Conservatives and the Conservative New Right.
9
Q
For traditional Cons and NR what are human beings thought to have been
A
psychologically limited and dependent creatures. People thought to fear isolation and instability. Drawn psychologically to safe and familiar and above all seek security of knowing ‘their place’.
10
Q
What has the belief that individuals desire security and belonging lead to cons emphasising
A
The importance of social order
Suspicion of attractions of liberty.
11
Q
What does order ensure
A
Human life is stable and predictable, providing security in an uncertain life.
12
Q
What does liberty present
A
Presents individuals with choices and can generate change and uncertainty.
13
Q
What have the liberal NR dumped psychological imperfection for
A
Atomistic individualism, implying humans are by no means limited and dependent creatures, but have a pronounced capacity for self-reliance.
14
Q
What do traditional cons and NR believe humans moral imperfection is down to
A
By nature rather than a by-product of society as socialists believe.
15
Q
What do Traditional Cons and NR believe with regard to human nature
A
Pessimistic, Humankind is innately selfish and greedy; as Hobbes put it, the desire for ‘power after power’ is the primary human urge.
16
Q
Based of Traditional Cons and NR beliefs on human nature what do they believe crime is a product of
A
Not a product of inequality or social disadvantage, a consequence of base human instincts and appetites. People can only be persuaded to behave in a civilised fashion if they are deterred from expressing violent and anti-social tendencies.
17
Q
For traditional cons and NR what do they believe the only effective deterrent to crime is
A
Law, backed up by knowledge that it will be strictly enforced. Explains Conservative preference for strong government and ‘tough’ criminal justice regimes.
18
Q
What do one nation conservatives place emphasis on rather than moral imperfection
A
More willing to explain crime and social disorder in terms of social not individual factors. Explains belief of ONC to have a moral duty for the wealth to help out the poorest.
19
Q
What do Traditional Conservatives who believe in Intellectual imperfection say
A
humankinds intellectual powers are also thought to be limited. World is simply too complicated for human reason to fully grasp. Rationality -> unreliable.
19
Q
What do the Liberal NR believe in with regards to crime
A
Humans should be free from external interference economically and believe in negatuve freedom. Individuals are therefore able to make their own moral choices.
20
Q
What does Burke say about intellectual imperfection
A
‘Humans are communal by nature, willing to band together etc byt human reasoning and understanding is poor, fallible to mistakes meaning keeping hold of tradition is important.
21
Q
What does Oakeshott say about intellectual imperfection
A
‘Political world is boundless and bottomless’, must be a suspicion of abstract ideas and systems of thought that claim to understand what is simply incomprehensible.
22
Q
What was Conservatism in opposition to
A
French revolution and growing pace of political social and economic change.
22
Q
What can Conservatism be defined as
A
The desire to conserve and a resistance/suspicion of change.
22
how is their resistance/suspicion of change upheld by Conservatives
Support for tradition, human imperfection and the attempt to maintain the organic structure of society.
22
what is the main distinction in conservatism
traditional conservatism vs the new right
22
What does traditional conservatism stand for
Defends established institutions on the fabric that they protect important institutions in society, giving security hunting humans a sense of stability and rootedness.
22
what is the new right characterised by
A belief in a strong yet minimal state, combining economic libertarianism with social authoritarianism.
22
What does Burke believe in with regards to tradition
That we must 'change in order to conserve'
23
How does Burkes view on change link to Conservatives belief in the 19th century
As they defended a political and social order which had already undergone profound change in the overthrow of the absolute monarchy.
24
What do new right ideas draw upon
Ideas to do with free market economics
25
How do NR beliefs of free market economic lead to stark divisions within conservatism
As some believe it doesnt belong in Conservatism at all, rather belongs with Classic liberal ideas. Remains a part of the conservative ideology though as it has not abandoned traditional conservative social principles.
26
What is a key aim of traditional conservatism
To accept natural and inevitable change in order to conserve as much as the status quo as possible. Change also necessary to avoid revolution.
27
How does the Repeal of the Corn Laws by Peel in 1846 show a much firmer support for free-markets.
As his decision removed tariffs on corn imported from abroad. He was removing an important barrier to a free-market economy and accepting the need to 'change in order to conserve' -> economic needs of all of society.
28
What did Oakeshott argue politics should be based on
Tradition and pragmatism and humans are not intellectually capable of understanding reality.
29
What kind of decisions does Oakeshott say we need to take
Rely on tried and tested traditions and take pragmatic and dogmatic decisions, rather than create abstract ideologies due to humans limited intellectual capacities.
30
what is one nation conservatism
updating of traditional conservatism based upon growing poverty and inequality caused by capitalism.
31
what does the term 'one nation' refer to
Making society secure by addressing tensions between rich and poor - the two nations - and renewing a sense of national identity and community.
31
What were ONC's worried about
That growing social inequality caused by industrialization could lead to a working class revolution + overthrow of established order.
32
where does the term 'one nation' come from
From Disraeli's novel the 'Sybil of two nations'.
33
What is ONC based upon
'Soft paternalism' which is inspired by a belief in 'noblesse oblige', which links to the conservative view of a natural hierarchy in society.
34
What does 'noblesse oblige' refer to
A responsibility which the landed class/well off have to care for the rest of society.
35
How do ONC's approach the economy
Pragmatically. State intervention and management can be necessary, within a capitalist system to function for the benefit of all.
36
Which government reflects an ONC approach to the economy
Macmillan (57-63) - As it continued the work of labour with a Keynesian economic approach. Accepted need to nationalise key industries to support ALL members of society.
37
Why and when did New Right conservatism emerge
In the 1970s when Keynesian economic management was seemed to have failed, causing inflation, low growth and high unemployment.
38
What does New Right conservatism draw upon
Classic liberal economics and traditional conservative social values.
39
What do neo-liberals believe society is
Atomistic, not organic like the rest of conservatism does.
40
How do neo-liberals view human nature
Positively, arguing humans are capable of rational thought. Also sees humans as self-interested and self-reliant.
41
What does Rand believe in terms of individuals
That it was morally right for individuals to pursue their own selfish dreams and objectives rather than those determined by society. humans may have altruistic tendencies yet this should not be dictated by the state and should be rational action
42
What does Rand say about alturism
humans may have altruistic tendencies yet this should not be dictated by the state and should be rational action as humans pursue their own values.
43
What kind of state do neo-liberals believe in + why
A minimal state to promote self reliance and maximise negative freedom of the people
44
What belief do neo-liberals and classic liberals share
Possessive individualism
45
What does Nozick think about welfare spending funded by tax
That it is paramount to legalised theft as the state unfairly encroaches upon people's negative freedom and a violation of individual freedom.
46
what does neoliberlaism reject in the economy
State intervention
46
what do conservatives believe welfare provision does to individuals
Prevents them from being self reliant and instead causes dependency on the state.
47
Neo-liberal economy complexity view
Economy too complex to manage and plan effectively, faith should instead be placed in natural efficiency of the free market with its self regulating nature of supply and demand.
48
What do neoliberals believe nationalised industries are
inefficient and protected from competition -> distorts the market.
49
What is the right alternative to nationalisation to neoliberals
Privatisiation as it promoted economic efficiency and growth, due to market competition which improved prices and efficiency .
50
What do neoliberals believe state management in the economy causes
Inflation which reduces economic activity and therefore growth.
51
How should government control inflation according to neoliberals
By adopting a monetarist policy of limiting spending which controls inflation.
52
What do neoconservatives believe society is
Organic
53
Why do neo-cons reject atomism
as it has little social cohesion so will become fragmented and breakdown if it fails to defend key conservative values (religion, tradition, social responsibility).
54
What sort of view do neoconservatives hold on human nature
Negative - due to the belief that humans are morally imperfect, not naturally moral or hardworking.
54
why do neo cons believe welfare spending should be limited
So as not to create a dependency culture in order to promote traditional values of family and hard work.
55
When and Why did Neocons emerge
as a response to social permissiveness in the 1960s.
56
What did neocons think was happening in the 1960s
Damaging decline in morality and society was too relaxed about promoting alternative lifestyles. Christian family values in decline risking the breakdown of organic society.
57
What does neoconservatism aim to avoid and replace with in response to the social permissiveness of the 1960s.
Avoid social fragmentation promoting and organic and cohesive society, with a strong state in the social sphere.
58
What does the strong state in the social sphere which neocons believe in look like
One that upholds public morality and promotes traditional family values and morals. Promotes religion, heterosexual marriage and nuclear family. Rejects homosexuality, sex before marriage, divorce and drug use recreationally.
59
Why does neoliberalism belong to the conservative ideology despite having its roots in classic liberalism
As it was promoted by the Cons (Thatcher) and Reps (Reagan)
60
How do ONCS and the NR compare in terms of competition and compromise
ONC - find compromise and heal division
NR - competition and conflict good for society
61
ONC and NR contrasting views on the state and tradition
State - ONC - happy with state when necessary in economy, NR - never in economy.
Tradition - ONC - values institutions and customs which stand the test of time, NR not overly concerned unless it serves a purpose.
62
What is ONC compared to NR
ONC - pragmatic and flexible
NR - Dogmatic and fixed.
62
What are the primary focusses of NLs and NCs
NLs - economy
NCs - morality
63
How do NLs and NCs view on collectivism differ
NL - collectivism bad
NC - collectivism good to preserve order.
64
What are NLs compared to NCs
NLs - atomistic and libertarian
NCs - organic and authoritarian.
65
Why are Conservatives scared of reform or revolution
As they warn that it often leads to greater suffering, not less and they believe high sounding political principles are fraught with danger.
65
What is empiricism and which strand of Conservatism is it associated with
Its a preference for grounding ideas in tangible experience and tradition - moderate and pragmatic approach to the world avoiding dogmatic and doctrinaire beliefs - TCs.
66
Oakeshott quote which links to the Conservative belief of doing noting being superior to taking action as the Conservative will always seek to ensure...
'The cure is not worse than the disease'
67
How has the Liberal new right rejected intellectual imperfection in their economic policy
By favouring free market economics - humans are rational capable of making reasonable decisions in their own best interests within the economic sphere. Dogmatic support of free market over state intervention LNR based on fixed human ideas.
68
How is the Conservative agreement on human imperfection significant
As the largely negative shared view on human nature differentiates Cons from Libs and Socialists who have more optimistic perspectives.
69
How is the disagreement on human imperfection within Conservatism significant
As the differing beliefs in psychological, moral and intellectual imperfection lead to greatly different views on the role of the state and economy.
70
How is the lack of agreement within the New right alone on human imperfection significant
As NLs have a much more positive perspectives than NCs - arguably they are compatible given NLs concerned with economic sphere and NCs with social sphere.
71
What is an organic society
One which is more important than any individual parts. It is an organism that emerges and evolves gradually over time in order to meet the needs of its members.
72
What do Conservatives agree on in society
Agree that society should provide a framework for the individual - essential for human development and to allow humans to flourish.
73
What do all Conservatives prefer in terms of the role of the state
That it plays as small as a role as possible as they are generally distrustful of the state and fear restraints it may impose upon society.
74
Which Conservatives believe in the Organic view of society
Traditional, One Nation and New Right Conservatives.
75
How do Conservatives traditionally think of society
That it is a living thing, organism whose parts work together just like the brain heart, lungs and liver do with the human organism.
76
How do Conservatives disagree with Liberals on the role of the individual in society
As TCs disagree with the Liberal view that individuals want to/can be self reliant instead being dependent and security seeking creatures. They desperately need to belong and have 'roots' in society.
77
What is more important within an organism
The whole is more important than the collection of its individual parts as the whole is sustained by a fragile set of relationships amongst its parts which once damaged can result in its death.
78
What are organisms shaped by
Natural factors not human ingenuity. An organic society is fashioned ultimately as a natural necessity.
79
How is the family an example of natural factors shaping an organism
As it has not been invented by a politician or thinker, yet it is the product of natural social impulses like love, care and responsibility. Children do not agree a contract on joining the family, they simply grow up with it and are nurtured by it.
80
what implies that society is a delicate fabric which should be preserved/respected by the individuals who live within it?
The fact that society is organic so its structures/institutions have been shaped by forces that are beyond human control and understanding.
81
What is a functionalist perspective with regards to organicism and societal parts
Institutions develop and survive for a reason, and this reason is that they contribute to maintaining the larger whole. By virtue of existing institutions demonstrate that they are worthwhile.
82
What did Burke say with regard to organicism
'society is indeed a contract, not only between those who are living, but between those who are living, those who are dead and those who are to be born'.
83
What are organic ideas evident in
Conservative arguments in favour of the family, established values and the nation.
84
What do Cons regard the family as
The most important and basic institution in society and in many ways a model for other institutions.
85
What does the family provide
Its members, particularly children, with safety and security and teaches individuals about the value of duty and the need to respect others.
86
Why, according to Conservatives, is family life essential to the stability of society
As it teaches highly beneficial values. It should be protected and if necessary strengthened.
87
Why does organicism underpin the Conservative defence of established values (morality example)
Take morality. If it is indeed a matter of personal choice as Liberals believe, the moral fabric of society is brought into question and with it the cohesion on which social order is based.
88
What does patriotism provide individuals and society at large with
necessary sense of identity and belonging -> basis for conservative nationalism.
89
What sympathy do the Liberal new right have with the Liberal view of Individualism
The view that Liberals believe society arises from the actions of individuals, each intent on pursuing self interest. Social groups are 'contractual' -> entered voluntarily.
90
Thatcher quote on society
'There is no such thing as society: there are individual men and women, and there are families'.
91
What is the Liberal New Right's view on society
Atomistic, based upon the assumption humans are self seeking and self reliant creatures.
92
How do the Atomistic and Organic views differ
As atomism believes that society consists of only a collection of independent individuals and their families wheras organicism believes society are not just parts which can be arranged at will, instead the whole is more than just a collection of parts.
93
What does the rugged individualism of atomists suggest
That society should afford individuals the greatest possible scope to make their own moral decisions and accept their consequences.
94
What was Rand's view on Collectivism
Loathed it, instead believing in an atomistic society.
95
What did Rand think the only purpose of society was
To protect individual rights, in an atomistic society, individuals should have the right to maintain property and income without being taxed.
96
What do Hobbes, Burke and Oakeshott think society is
A natural hierarchy - inequality is natural and there is a natural order in which the individual has their place.
97
How did Hobbes want society organised
To be ruled by an absolute monarch, governing a 'commonwealth' arranged by rank and influence.
98
How did Burke say society should be organised
The aristocracy should lead as they are wiser and stronger than their inferiors and had a responsibility for the lower orders.
99
What kind of society do the LNR favour
A meritocratic society
100
what is a meritocratic society
One where one's social standing is not fixed, instead people can rise and fall based upon merit.
101
What does the belief in a meritocratic society stem from
In humans being rational creatures, capable of improving themselves and their abilities and negative freedom in that no person should be constrained to an inferior position in society.
102
What do all Cons generally favour over a natural hierarchy from the 19th century onwards
Democracy
103
What can tradition be defined as
The accumulated wisdom of past societies and a connection across generations.
104
Justifications for tradition
- Parting with tradition would be challenging the will of God.
- Tradition is a partnership with the dead
- Tradition is also a democracy of the dead
- Tradition is a Darwinian belief
- Tradition shows the importance of identity and gives a sense of belonging.
105
Challenging the will of God being a justification for tradition
For some Cons ppl think the world is thought to have been fashioned by God so traditional practices are 'god given'. If humans tamper with tradition they are challenging the will of God and make human affairs worse not better.
106
A partnership with the dead being a reason for upholding tradition
Mos cons support tradition by describing society as a partnership between 'those who are living, those who are dead and those who are to be born'
107
How did Chesterton describe the idea of a 'democracy of the dead' as a reason for upholding tradition
'Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors'. 'It is a democracy of the dead'.
108
Reason why a 'democracy of the dead' is a reason for upholding tradition
As it reflects the accumulated wisdom of the past. Institutions and practices have been 'tested by time' so should be preserved for those to come.
108
Which institution do Cons in the UK believe in preserving and why
The monarchy - embodies historical wisdom and experience and has focused on national loyalty and respect.
109
Reasons why a Darwinian belief is a reason for upholding tradition
As this means institutions and customs have only survived because they have worked and been found to be of value. Endorsed by 'natural selection' demonstrating their 'fitness to survive'.
110
What does tradition create for society
A sense of identity and belonging. Traditional practices are recognisable so are familiar and reassuring.
111
Why is tradition and the belongingness that it creates so important for Conservatives
As Cons believe humans are intellectually and psychologically imperfect and require a sense of security.
112
Why has the emphasis on tradition been emphasised
Due to the creation of the NR specifically, the LNR
113
Why does the LNR threaten tradition
As it is rooted in liberal rationalism, implying a critical approach to existing institutions and practices so can support radical reform.
114
How do the CNR reflect a greater emphasis on tradition
As they aim to embody traditional values.
115
What was Burke's view of tradition
Believed in it but also believed in need to change to conserve and preserve.
116
Is the disagreement on society within Cons more significant?
Organic and atomistic ideals drastically different. Lead to differing roles for the state and differing roles for individuals in relation to others in society.
117
Is the agreement on society within Cons more significant?
Atomistic society may only relate to the NR's economic views, so the NR views on society are more in line with Conservatism on the whole.
118
How is the NR itself divided on the nature of society
Atomism v organicism
Economic and social perspective.
119
What is pragmatism
The ability to be flexible and change ideas as new evidence emerges or as a response to the growth of popular sentiment. Antonym of dogmatism.
120
At its core, what does pragmatism call for and what instead?
A complete rejection of ideology.
Instead 'what counts is what works'
121
What is the guiding principle of pragmatism
'If it ain't broke why fix it'.
122
What does pragmatism represent
A flexibility of mind and a search for practical solutions rather than inflexibility imposed by ideologies.
123
What Burke quote related to pragmatism
A prudent willingness to 'change in order to conserve'.
124
Churchill pragmatism quote
'The further you look back at the past the clearer you see the future'.
125
Oakeshott Pragmatism quote, therefore
'politics should be a conversation not an argument' therefore decisions should be based upon consensus and with an understanding of the traditions within that society.
126
Which strand of Conservatism agrees with a pragmatic approach
ONCs
127
Which strand of Conservatism agrees with dogmatism
New Right Conservatives.
128
What did Thatcher assess Pragmatism of the One Nation had led to
The expansion in the scope and scale of state influence.
129
What is Thatcherism characterised by
Privatisation, deregulation, marketisation of the welfare state, a flexible labour market, lower taxation and a property owning democracy.
130
What is paternalism
A belief in the benign power exerted from above by the state which governs in the interests of the people.
131
What does paternalism literally mean
To act in a fatherly fashion.
132
What does paternalism mean as a political principle
Power of authority being excersised by others, by the state with the intention of conferring benefit or preventing harm - like a wise parent.
133
What is soft paternalism
Idea characterised by broad consent on the part of those subject to paternalism
134
What is hard paternalism
Operates regardless of consent and thus overlaps with authoritarianism.
135
Which strand of Conservatism believes in hard paternalism
Traditional Cons as they were fearful of democracy, and believed the state knew best so should be able to do what they are told without consent.
136
What is the Conservative New Right viewpoint on paternalism
Equally authoritarian as the TCs. Emerged as a backlash against ideas and values of the 1960s and defined by a fear of social breakdown which was seen as the product of social reform and 'permissiveness'.
137
What do neoconservatives stress the need to do in relation to paternalism
Strengthen the leadership and authority of the state in society so it can prevent people making different lifestyle choices that could harm society often against their will, hard pat.
138
What is the ONC view of paternalism
More of a moral approach. Paternalism closely linked with noblesse oblige. With privilige comes responsibility. 'soft' as it involves efforts by the state such as welfare that the general public approve of.
139
What is the Liberal New Right's stance on paternalism
Dismiss paternalism, election of Thatcher showed this.
140
What do the LNR believe government has
However begningly disposed invariably has a damaging effect on human affairs. State intervantion risks threatening individual liberty with 'creeping collectivism'.
141
What does the LNR encourage individuals to be
self reliant and make rational chooices in their own interests and freedom ensured by rolling back the state.
142
What does the LNR argue the welfare state has created
A culture of dependency
143
How do the economic policies of ONCs and NRCs demonstrating disagreement on pragmatism?
ONCS pragmatic Heath and Macmillan
NRCs ideological dismay over state ownership and corporatism. Thatcher.
144
What are all aspects of Conservatism concerned with regard to paternalism
Treats adults as if they were children arresting individual's development and leave reliant on state.
145
Why are neoliberals opposed to paternalism
Argues it negates individual freedom with those in power assuming they know better than what the individual knows for themselves.
146
How did Disraeli bring in Paternalism
Creation of ONC and promise of laws to protect workers and clean up cities. Elite obligations to industrial class by enacting social reform to help the poorest in society -> noblesse oblige -> paternalism.
147
What did Burke, Macmillan and Disraeli share the belief of
Preservation of society was of paramount importance and society needed to change to conserve. Unemployment terrible threat to societal and economic stability and convinced the state had a paternal responsibility going beyond previosu Conservativism.
148
What was Oakeshott distrustful of
Rationalism inherent within the paternalism of post war Conservatism as such state management ignores the limits of human reason and can lead to unintended consequences.
149
For neoconservatives what did the welfare state sponsored paternalism create
Dependency culture. Thatcher and Reagan reduce size of state to more manegable levels and reduce levels of welfare support.
150
What do neoconservatives argue paternalism created post war
Arrested individual development, creating an underclass dependent on the state and content to live off welfare benefits.
151
What does Nozick argue in relation to paternalism
Rejected state sponsored paternalism. Favour of atomistic society which Nozick argued should have minimal sttae interference in the lives of individuals. Paternalistic welfare spending = encroaching on individual freedom.
152
How did Rand agree with Nozick
Altruism should dnot be a duty dictated by the state but by the rational action of an individual pursuing his or her own values. Individual choice not state decision.
153
What is libertarianism
A neoliberal approach, defined in opposition to paternalism as the upholding of liberty seeking to maximise autonomy and free choice mainly in the economy.
154
Who mainly believe in libertarianism
Approach taken by the New right, mainly to the economy and is used synonymously with neoliberalism
155
What does Libertarianism amount to
A restatement of the case for a minimal state, summed up as a 'private, good: public, bad'.
156
What is Libertarianism in relation to the state
Anti-statist. state is a realm of coercion and unfreedom while collectivism restricts individual initiative and saps self respect.
157
What type of state do libertarianisms recognise the need for
Minimal/nightwatchman state sometimes reffering to themselves as 'minarchists'.
158
What do Libertarians place their faith in instead of the state
Individual and market, individuals should be self reliant and to make rational choices in their own interests.
159
How does Nozick critcise the concept of a welfare state
By describing any attempt to redistribute wealth and recourses as 'legalised theft'. Reflects belief in possesive Individualism. Creates culture of dependency.
160
Politics
flashcards
Decks in class (15)
# Cards
-
C3 US Presidency43
-
C3 US Democracy and Participation89
-
C3 US Congress95
-
C3 US Constitution and Federalism64
-
C1 Liberalism108
-
C3 US Supreme Court and Civil Rights55
-
C1 UK Democracy and Participation.130
-
C1 Conservatism173
-
C1 Electoral Systems153
-
C1 UK Political Parties140
-
C1 Voting Behaviour and the Media172
-
C1 Socialism51
-
C2 UK Parliament158
-
C2 UK Constitution237
-
C2 The Prime Minister and Executive92
