Conservatism

Question 1

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Answer 1

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Question 2

To what extent do conservatives disagree on human nature?

Answer 2

Imperfect; atomism vs community; human potential; Overall thesis: some agreement on imperfection but deeper disagreements about how human nature functions outweigh this

Question 3

To what extent do conservatives disagree on human nature? - Imperfect - Agree

Answer 3

Traditional Conservative: humans are imperfect Hobbes- state of nature is ‘perpetual and restless desire for power’- suggests a fundamental moral imperfection, along with belief in psychological and
One Nation: humans are imperfect Disraeli’s belief in patriotism points to psychological imperfection- humanity searches for security in groups- community and nation ‘two nations […] no intercourse and no sympathy’- Disraeli

Question 4

To what extent do conservatives disagree on human nature? - Imperfect - Disagree

Answer 4

Traditional Conservative: humans are imperfect Hobbes- state of nature is ‘perpetual and restless desire for power’- suggests a fundamental moral imperfection, along with belief in psychological and
One Nation: humans are imperfect Disraeli’s belief in patriotism points to psychological imperfection- humanity searches for security in groups- community and nation ‘two nations […] no intercourse and no sympathy’- Disraeli

Question 5

To what extent do conservatives disagree on human nature? - Atomism vs community - Agree

Answer 5

Traditional Conservative: society forms naturally, like a family or a body ‘love the little platoons’- harmony between different classes, Burke
New Right: natural atomism of man- idea of conforming to societal norms as limiting to freedom Ayn Rand- “each man is an end in himself, not a means to the ends of others”

Question 6

To what extent do conservatives disagree on human nature? - Atomism vs community - Disagree

Answer 6

Traditional Conservative: society forms naturally, like a family or a body ‘love the little platoons’- harmony between different classes, Burke
New Right: natural atomism of man- idea of conforming to societal norms as limiting to freedom Ayn Rand- “each man is an end in himself, not a means to the ends of others”

Question 7

To what extent do conservatives disagree on human nature? - Human potential - Agree

Answer 7

Traditional Conservative: prefer stability and tradition due to humans’ lack of potential and inability to see the world clearly Oakeshott- ‘to be conservative is to prefer the familiar to the unknown’
New Right: Ayn Rand- people need to be free so they can fulfil their potential Atlas Shrugged portrays the importance of individual thinking to create innovation - ‘exist for his own sake’

Question 8

To what extent do conservatives disagree on human nature? - Human potential - Disagree

Answer 8

Traditional Conservative: prefer stability and tradition due to humans’ lack of potential and inability to see the world clearly Oakeshott- ‘to be conservative is to prefer the familiar to the unknown’
New Right: Ayn Rand- people need to be free so they can fulfil their potential Atlas Shrugged portrays the importance of individual thinking to create innovation - ‘exist for his own sake’

Question 10

To what extent do conservatives agree on the state?

Answer 10

state is necessary; pragmatic vs ideological; how strong is the state; Overall thesis: surface agreement but deeper functional disagreements

Question 11

To what extent do conservatives agree on the state? - State necessary - Agree

Answer 11

Traditional Conservative: Suggests that the state is needed to maintain security in society ‘keep afloat on an even keel’- ultimate aim is peace and harmony, not abstract reforms
New Right: minimal state necessary Nozick ‘protection against force, theft, fraud, enforcement of contracts and so on’

Question 12

To what extent do conservatives agree on the state? - State necessary - Disagree

Answer 12

Traditional Conservative: Suggests that the state is needed to maintain security in society ‘keep afloat on an even keel’- ultimate aim is peace and harmony, not abstract reforms
New Right: minimal state necessary Nozick ‘protection against force, theft, fraud, enforcement of contracts and so on’

Question 13

To what extent do conservatives agree on the state? - Pragmatic vs ideological - Agree

Answer 13

Traditional Conservative: pragmatic- inherit Trad Con views on this, favour stability over dogmatism as they value security and harmony Disraeli ultimately wanted to please the people in order to maintain harmony ‘the palace is not safe when the cottage is not happy’
New Right: ideological neoliberal Rand’s labelling of objectivism as a ‘philosophy for living on earth’- suggests that this is key to stick to and there is little room for shifting on fundamental beliefs in freedom

Question 14

To what extent do conservatives agree on the state? - Pragmatic vs ideological - Disagree

Answer 14

Traditional Conservative: pragmatic- inherit Trad Con views on this, favour stability over dogmatism as they value security and harmony Disraeli ultimately wanted to please the people in order to maintain harmony ‘the palace is not safe when the cottage is not happy’
New Right: ideological neoliberal Rand’s labelling of objectivism as a ‘philosophy for living on earth’- suggests that this is key to stick to and there is little room for shifting on fundamental beliefs in freedom

Question 15

To what extent do conservatives agree on the state? - Strength of state - Agree

Answer 15

Traditional Conservative: Trad con strong- belief that humans are flawed so cannot make the best choices for themselves Hobbes’ Leviathan implies that a strong monarch is needed to combat human imperfection state of nature is ‘nasty, brutish and short’
New Right: neoliberal weak- emphasis on individual freedom due to a differing belief on human imperfection Nozick’s idea that taxation is ‘legalised slavery’ as it is ‘forced labour’ for someone elses’ gain- emphasis on minimal state

Question 16

To what extent do conservatives agree on the state? - Strength of state - Disagree

Answer 16

Traditional Conservative: Trad con strong- belief that humans are flawed so cannot make the best choices for themselves Hobbes’ Leviathan implies that a strong monarch is needed to combat human imperfection state of nature is ‘nasty, brutish and short’
New Right: neoliberal weak- emphasis on individual freedom due to a differing belief on human imperfection Nozick’s idea that taxation is ‘legalised slavery’ as it is ‘forced labour’ for someone elses’ gain- emphasis on minimal state

Question 17

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Answer 17

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Question 18

To what extent are conservatives united in their views on society?

Answer 18

organic; atomistic vs organic/community; hierarchy; Overall thesis: key disagreements on society outweigh limited agreement on hierarchy

Question 19

To what extent are conservatives united in their views on society? - Organic - Agree

Answer 19

Traditional Conservative: Society forms naturally and should not be meddled with in any grand ways Oakeshott believes in trying to ‘keep afloat on an even keel’
New Right: thinks that the idea of organic society is limiting to individual freedom Rand argues for the ‘virtue of selfishness’

Question 20

To what extent are conservatives united in their views on society? - Organic - Disagree

Answer 20

Traditional Conservative: Society forms naturally and should not be meddled with in any grand ways Oakeshott believes in trying to ‘keep afloat on an even keel’
New Right: thinks that the idea of organic society is limiting to individual freedom Rand argues for the ‘virtue of selfishness’

Question 21

To what extent are conservatives united in their views on society? - Atomistic vs organic/community - Agree

Answer 21

Traditional Conservative: society forms naturally, like a family or a body ‘love the little platoons’- harmony between different classes, Burke
New Right: neoliberals believe in an atomised society where people do not sacrifice individuality for greater societal aims Ayn rand ‘each man is an end in himself, not just a means for others

Question 22

To what extent are conservatives united in their views on society? - Atomistic vs organic/community - Disagree

Answer 22

Traditional Conservative: society forms naturally, like a family or a body ‘love the little platoons’- harmony between different classes, Burke
New Right: neoliberals believe in an atomised society where people do not sacrifice individuality for greater societal aims Ayn rand ‘each man is an end in himself, not just a means for others

Question 23

To what extent are conservatives united in their views on society? - Hierarchy - Agree

Answer 23

Traditional Conservative: hierarchy because aristocracy is naturally in place ‘wiser, stronger and more opulent’ are at the top, they are ‘born to rule’ - Burke
One Nation: hierarchy because naturally more fortunate also have social responsibilities- noblesse oblige ‘two nations […] no intercourse and no sympathy’- Disraeli

Question 24

To what extent are conservatives united in their views on society? - Hierarchy - Disagree

Answer 24

Traditional Conservative: hierarchy because aristocracy is naturally in place ‘wiser, stronger and more opulent’ are at the top, they are ‘born to rule’ - Burke
One Nation: hierarchy because naturally more fortunate also have social responsibilities- noblesse oblige ‘two nations […] no intercourse and no sympathy’- Disraeli

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Question 26

To what extent do conservatives disagree on the economy?

Answer 26

belief in property ownership; pragmatism vs ideology; role of welfare; Overall thesis: surface agreement on property but fundamental economic disagreements dominate

Question 27

To what extent do conservatives disagree on the economy? - Property ownership - Agree

Answer 27

Traditional Conservative: property important to instil security for psychologically imperfect humans who search for safety Oakeshott- 'to be conservative is to prefer the familiar to the unknown' New Right: property important for neoliberals believe in the right to property through individual gain due to their belief in atomism leads to Nozick's idea of 'entitlement theory'- anyone who acquires property through just means is entitled to it

Question 28

To what extent do conservatives disagree on the economy? - Property ownership - Disagree

Answer 28

Traditional Conservative: property important to instil security for psychologically imperfect humans who search for safety Oakeshott- 'to be conservative is to prefer the familiar to the unknown' New Right: property important for neoliberals believe in the right to property through individual gain due to their belief in atomism leads to Nozick's idea of 'entitlement theory'- anyone who acquires property through just means is entitled to it

Question 29

To what extent do conservatives disagree on the economy? - Pragmatism vs ideology - Agree

Answer 29

Traditional Conservative: pragmatic approach to the economy, Disraeli concerned that free market capitalism was creating social division factory reforms to improve life for factory workers- intervention limiting exploitative laissez-faire capitalism New Right: ideological neoliberal economic ideas are firmly based around Adam Smith, von Hayek, Freidman and Rand Laissez-faire is the only way of guaranteeing freedom- emphasis on individual and property

Question 30

To what extent do conservatives disagree on the economy? - Pragmatism vs ideology - Disagree

Answer 30

Traditional Conservative: pragmatic approach to the economy, Disraeli concerned that free market capitalism was creating social division factory reforms to improve life for factory workers- intervention limiting exploitative laissez-faire capitalism New Right: ideological neoliberal economic ideas are firmly based around Adam Smith, von Hayek, Freidman and Rand Laissez-faire is the only way of guaranteeing freedom- emphasis on individual and property

Question 31

To what extent do conservatives disagree on the economy? - Role of welfare - Agree

Answer 31

Traditional Conservative: noblesse oblige- belief in a more democratic Paternalism (Disraeli extends the franchise to more working men) 'two nations […] no intercourse and no sympathy' New Right: encourage individual responsibility against 'dead hand' of the state interrupting individual initiative and innovation limited role for welfare Nozick on taxation- 'Taxation of earnings from labour is on a par with forced labour.'

Question 32

To what extent do conservatives disagree on the economy? - Role of welfare - Disagree

Answer 32

Traditional Conservative: noblesse oblige- belief in a more democratic Paternalism (Disraeli extends the franchise to more working men) 'two nations […] no intercourse and no sympathy' New Right: encourage individual responsibility against 'dead hand' of the state interrupting individual initiative and innovation limited role for welfare Nozick on taxation- 'Taxation of earnings from labour is on a par with forced labour.'

Question 33

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Answer 33

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Question 34

To what extent are conservatives committed to tradition?

Answer 34

Human nature values tradition; Tradition structures society; Laissez-faire economy; Overall thesis: disagreement on importance of tradition but some agreement in economic application

Question 35

To what extent are conservatives committed to tradition? - Human nature values tradition - Agree

Answer 35

Point and strand- One Nation. Strong belief in empiricism, and suggests human nature values tradition as it provides stability, leading to social cohesion. Thinker because-(Burke): accumulated wisdom of the past in the structures we have in society. This also means not accepting change such as gay marriage, and encouraging family. Seen in Disraeli's wish for a more united society. Context-Reliance on religion for structure as well as rejection of instability of French Revolution Link back to the question; what does this mean?- Means one-nation conservatives prioritise and intense commitment to tradition as it supports human nature's desires, leading to a more united society.

Question 36

To what extent are conservatives committed to tradition? - Human nature values tradition - Disagree

Answer 36

Point and strand- Neo-liberals believe that human nature does not value tradition as much as One Nation conservatives as humans are not reliant on each other and empiricism. Thinker because- Rand's idea of atomism explains this as she believes that humans are naturally individual Link back to the question; what does this mean?- This means that humans may not value tradition as they do not need to rely on social cohesion for stability

Question 37

To what extent are conservatives committed to tradition? - Tradition structures society - Agree

Answer 37

Point and strand- Traditional. Tradition equates to reliability, and therefore stability- which is necessary for a society to thrive. Thinker because- Hobbes' state of nature will be fulfilled if humans are not left with guidance (which is provided through Tradition).

Question 38

To what extent are conservatives committed to tradition? - Tradition structures society - Disagree

Answer 38

Point and strand- Neo-liberals. Believe in the rejection of this because they are pragmatic thinkers, meaning tradition working in the past does not mean it works now. Thinker because- Context- Could have emerged as a result of a modernisation of the ideology.

Question 39

To what extent are conservatives committed to tradition? - Laissez-faire economy - Agree

Answer 39

Point and strand- Traditional conservatives. The economy needs to function in a laissez- faire structure. This will allow natural competitive human nature to thrive. Therefore producing the best outcome for the economy. Thinker because- Burke free trade & market economy Link back to the question; what does this mean?- This means that due to their belief in human nature, traditional conservatives believe that the economy functions best under a laissez-faire structure.

Question 40

To what extent are conservatives committed to tradition? - Laissez-faire economy - Disagree

Answer 40

Point and strand- Taxation restricts individual liberty & creates dependency culture. This shows that the Neo liberals believe in the free market as it supports their view of human nature. Thinker because-Neo Liberal (Rand): called for uncontrolled, unregulated laissez faire economy. Economic issues are the responsibility of the individual, not the state. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- This means that they agree on the idea of laissez-faire economy- a fundamental agreement.

Question 41

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Question 42

To what extent are conservatives united in their view on paternalism?

Answer 42

State/economy; Human nature; Noblesse oblige; Overall thesis: strong disagreement on paternalism except limited agreement on hierarchy-based duty

Question 43

To what extent are conservatives united in their view on paternalism? - State/economy - Agree

Answer 43

Point and strand- One Nation. Paternalism provides enough intervention and stability within the economy for it to succeed. Thinker because- Disraeli - capitalism encouraged self-interested individualism that undermined social responsibility Link back to the question; what does this mean?- Preserve social order through more state intervention. Welfare programmes, economic intervention.

Question 44

To what extent are conservatives united in their view on paternalism? - State/economy - Disagree

Answer 44

Point and strand- Neoliberal. State should not be paternalistic as this leads to dependence on the state. In addition to this, as humans are naturally independent, they should not require paternalism in the economy. Thinker because- Nozick Rejects paternalism view of One Nation. Calls for deregulation and privatisation of services. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- Less help = more efficient economy. ‘Supply-side’ economics

Question 45

To what extent are conservatives united in their view on paternalism? - Human nature - Agree

Answer 45

Point and strand- Traditional. Humans are irrational and therefore require guidance. Thinker because-Burke stresses mankind's fallibility and our tendency to fail rather than succeed- showing how we make irrational decisions which lead to failure. Context- Irrationality revealed upon reflecting on the French revolution Link back to the question; what does this mean?- Human nature is naturally irrational, so state paternalism is needed to prevent humans from going astray.

Question 46

To what extent are conservatives united in their view on paternalism? - Human nature - Disagree

Answer 46

Point and strand- Neoliberal. Believe humans are rational and independent, therefore do not require paternalism for guidance. Thinker because-Rand wrote that humans should be guided by rational self-interest & self-fulfilment. This shows that humans are capable of being rational as they make decisions to better their individual lives. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- Demonstrates a commitment to independence and rationality, thus diminishing the value and need for a paternalistic society.

Question 47

To what extent are conservatives united in their view on paternalism? - Noblesse oblige - Agree

Answer 47

Point and strand- Traditional. This provides structure and stability to a society. In addition to this, those higher up have more wisdom and experience. Thinker because- Burke described those who were leaders as 'natural aristocracy'. Natural aspect of society for some to be paternalistic and have a noblesse oblige. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- If this is a natural part of society, it has the support of empiricism, meaning it provides stability for the society.

Question 48

To what extent are conservatives united in their view on paternalism? - Noblesse oblige - Disagree

Answer 48

Point and strand- One Nation. This is essential for the unification of society. Thinker because- Disraeli - looking after the poor. Cameron ‘compassionate conservatism’. Compassion suggests connection- prevents wealthier from appearing aloof. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- In order to achieve Disraeli's aims of unifying the country, it is necessary to be paternalistic to support the poor and protect the country from revolution.

Question 49

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Question 50

To what extent is the New Right fundamentally different from Traditional Conservatism?

Answer 50

Private property; Organicism; Human nature (rationality vs imperfection); Overall thesis: limited agreement on property but fundamental differences on human nature and society dominate

Question 51

To what extent is the New Right fundamentally different from Traditional Conservatism? - Private property - Agree

Answer 51

Point and strand- Traditional Thinker because- burke argued that owning property provides stability: it links past, present and future. It provides psychological security for individuals. Traditional conservatives therefore believe in the importance of private property, due to their beliefs in stability and tradition. Burke valued stability as witnessed the instability caused by the French revolution. Context- Link back to the question; what does this mean?-

Question 52

To what extent is the New Right fundamentally different from Traditional Conservatism? - Private property - Disagree

Answer 52

Point and strand- Neoconservative Thinker because- Rand - property gives people a say in atomistic society. The state needs to remove taxation to allow more people to be able to afford their own property. This means that conservatives agree on the basic idea of private property being beneficial- despite their reasons differing. Private property links to the economy as they believe in the importance of individualism within this economy. Context- Link back to the question; what does this mean?-

Question 53

To what extent is the New Right fundamentally different from Traditional Conservatism? - Organicism - Agree

Answer 53

Point and strand- Traditional conservatism. Society is organic as people are naturally interconnected. Thinker because-Burke described society as a tree, growing from the accumulated wisdom of past generations Context- Link back to the question; what does this mean?- this means that society is naturally interconnected and dependent

Question 54

To what extent is the New Right fundamentally different from Traditional Conservatism? - Organicism - Disagree

Answer 54

Point and strand-Neo liberal. Belief that an organic society does not exist as humans are naturally individual. Thinker because- Rand argued for an atomistic society - demonstrating her belief in individualism. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- This means that they disagree with the idea of an organic society- supported by Thatcher's "there is no such thing as society".

Question 55

To what extent is the New Right fundamentally different from Traditional Conservatism? - Human nature (rationality vs imperfection) - Agree

Answer 55

Point and strand- Traditional conservatives. Humans are naturally flawed and irrational- disagreement on the fundamental basis of human nature Thinker because- Hobbes' state of nature is "nasty, brutish and short". We see these ideas in both traditional and one nation conservatism, establishing human nature as flawed. Context- Wrote in a time where religion dominated politics and society- belief in the great chain of being etc demonstrated belief in humans being predisposed to irrationality. Link back to the question; what does this mean?-

Question 56

To what extent is the New Right fundamentally different from Traditional Conservatism? - Human nature (rationality vs imperfection) - Disagree

Answer 56

Point and strand- Neoliberals believe that humans are naturally rational. Thinker because- Rand wrote that humans should be guided by rational self-interest & self-fulfilment. This shows that humans are capable of being rational as they make decisions to better their individual lives. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- This demonstrates a belief in human nature being rational, showing that the new right fundamentally disagrees with the basis of human existence (human nature).

Question 57

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Question 58

To what extent are conservatives united on authority and hierarchy?

Answer 58

Maintains/preserves society; Human nature (need guidance); Decreases inequality; Overall thesis: agreement on purpose but disagreement on justification and outcomes

Question 59

To what extent are conservatives united on authority and hierarchy? - Maintains/preserves society - Agree

Answer 59

Point and strand- Traditional conservatives believe authority and hierarchy maintains society as it preserves a rigid humans structure humans need to prevent social anomie. Thinker because- Hobbes' "state of nature" argued that humans will naturally create a society which is "nasty, brutish, and short". Link back to the question; what does this mean?- Means authority and hierarchy is needed to stabilise society.

Question 60

To what extent are conservatives united on authority and hierarchy? - Maintains/preserves society - Disagree

Answer 60

Point and strand- Neo conservatives believe in the importance of social order and normalcy, meaning authority and hierarchy can help to reassert the foundations of social order, leading to an improved social order. Thinker because- Can be explained by thinking of Robert Kagan, who advocated for a strong state to prevent social disorder. Context- Worked and advised American presidential candidates during the growth of the government. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- Means conservatives agree on the intended outcome of authority and hierarchy, as their goal is to preserve society.

Question 61

To what extent are conservatives united on authority and hierarchy? - Human nature (need guidance) - Agree

Answer 61

Point and strand- Traditional conservatives believe authority is beneficial as people need guidance and support and security that comes from knowing where they stand and what is expected of them. Thinker because- Hobbes argued there were "laws of nature" by which all were bound, and hierarchy was needed to guide people in the right direction Context- In Leviathan, Hobbes took a sceptical view of human nature, arguing we are flawed (stems from original sin). Shows that due to human nature, Traditional conservatives believe that hierarchy and authority is needed to guide the individual and the group. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- This means that Traditional conservatives believe that the purpose of authority and hierarchy is to guide flawed human nature

Question 62

To what extent are conservatives united on authority and hierarchy? - Human nature (need guidance) - Disagree

Answer 62

Point and strand- Neoliberals may argue that because of their belief in an atomistic society, they see humans as too individual to naturally crave a strict hierarchy or authority to guide them. Thinker because- Rand argued for atomism, meaning that humans are individual beings. "Every man is an end in himself". This means that people are individual, and human interaction to control or guide others is not the natural form humans take (as they avoid hierarchy). Context- Rand explored how individualism stemmed from rationality in Atlas Shrugged, this demonstrating the tension at the heart of this disagreement. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- Humans are naturally individual, and therefore do not need authority and hierarchy (thus not sharing the same purpose as Traditional Conservatives)

Question 63

To what extent are conservatives united on authority and hierarchy? - Decreases inequality - Agree

Answer 63

Point and strand- One Nation conservatives believe authority and hierarchy decreases inequality as those at the head of the hierarchy can provide for those who are not as wealthy. Thinker because- Can be exemplified by the thoughts of Disraeli, who argued for the unification of England through noblesse oblige within a hierarchical society. Stems from Burke's view that those who are in charge are "the wiser, stronger, and more opulent" Context- Disraeli emerged in an incredibly divided England. Link back to the question; what does this mean?- Authority and hierarchy stems from paternalism as those who are more wealthy form different layers of society, therefore having the ability to provide for those less fortunate. This provision leads to an equalling within society- seen in greater unity under Disraeli.

Question 64

To what extent are conservatives united on authority and hierarchy? - Decreases inequality - Disagree

Answer 64

Point and strand- Neoliberals argue that hierarchy and authority does not reduce inequality but rather implements an unnecessary amount of control over people, leading to inequality Thinker because- Nozick argued taxation is "legalised theft" as it imposed unwarranted and unwanted controls on people due to its belief in hierarchy Link back to the question; what does this mean?- This means neoliberals do not believe in authority and hierarchy as rather than decreasing inequality, it disrupts and controls people within society.