1
Q
What is conservatism mainly concerned with?
A
Preserving what already works in society.
2
Q
What type of change do conservatives prefer?
A
Slow and gradual change.
3
Q
Why do conservatives prefer gradual change?
A
To avoid unintended negative consequences.
4
Q
What does conservatism say about radical change?
A
It is risky and often harmful.
5
Q
What is pragmatism?
A
Making decisions based on practical experience.
6
Q
What do conservatives reject in decision-making?
A
Abstract theories.
7
Q
What is empiricism?
A
Gaining knowledge through experience and observation.
8
Q
What do conservatives trust more than theory?
A
Experience.
9
Q
What is tradition?
A
Customs and practices passed down over time.
10
Q
Why is tradition important to conservatives?
A
It provides stability.
11
Q
What else does tradition provide besides stability?
A
A sense of identity.
12
Q
What is the conservative view of human nature?
A
Humans are flawed and imperfect.
13
Q
What does it mean that humans are self-interested?
A
They tend to act in their own interest.
14
Q
Why do conservatives think authority is needed?
A
Because people cannot always be trusted to behave responsibly.
15
Q
What does authority help maintain?
A
Order.
16
Q
What could happen without authority?
A
Chaos.
17
Q
What is meant by an organic society?
A
A society that develops naturally over time.
18
Q
Why is society described as organic?
A
Because it evolves gradually.
19
Q
Can society be easily redesigned?
A
No, it is too complex.
20
Q
Why do conservatives distrust human reason?
A
It is limited.
21
Q
What historical event did conservatives strongly oppose?
A
The French Revolution.
22
Q
Why did conservatives oppose the French Revolution?
A
It rejected tradition and caused instability.
23
Q
What is paternalism?
A
The idea that the powerful should care for the less powerful.
24
Q
What does paternalism compare society to?
A
A parent-child relationship.
25
What is “noblesse oblige”?
The duty of the wealthy to look after the poor.
26
What is the conservative view of inequality?
It is natural.
27
Why do conservatives believe inequality exists?
Because people have different abilities.
28
What is hierarchy?
A system where people are ranked.
29
Why do conservatives support hierarchy?
It reflects natural differences.
30
Are all people equal in ability according to conservatives?
No.
31
What do conservatives believe about equality?
People are equal in worth but not in outcomes.
32
Why is property important?
It provides security.
33
What else does property provide?
Stability.
34
How does property affect behaviour?
It encourages responsibility.
35
Why do property owners have a stake in society?
They have something to protect.
36
What is the role of the state?
To maintain order.
37
What does the state enforce?
Laws.
38
Why is law and order important?
To prevent disorder.
39
What is the conservative criticism of individualism?
It can weaken society.
40
Why is community important?
It shapes individuals.
41
What do conservatives value more than radical reform?
Stability.
42
Why do conservatives prefer tested systems?
They are proven to work.
43
What is the conservative view of knowledge?
It is limited and based on experience.
44
Why are abstract ideas dangerous according to conservatives?
They ignore real-world complexity.
45
What kind of leadership do conservatives often support?
Leadership by experienced elites.
46
Why are elites seen as suitable leaders?
They are more experienced and capable.
47
What do conservatives believe about human nature?
Humans are imperfect and need guidance.
48
Why do conservatives think authority is important?
To keep order and prevent chaos.
49
What do conservatives believe about tradition?
It should be respected because it has worked over time.
50
Why do conservatives trust tradition?
It is based on experience, not theory.
51
What is the conservative view on change?
Change should be slow and careful.
52
Why do conservatives oppose rapid change?
It can cause instability.
53
What is hierarchy?
A system where people have different levels of power.
54
Why do conservatives support hierarchy?
They believe inequality is natural.
55
What is paternalism?
The rich or powerful look after the poor.
56
Why do conservatives support paternalism?
To maintain social stability.
57
What is pragmatism?
Making decisions based on what works.
58
Why do conservatives value pragmatism?
It avoids risky or unrealistic ideas.
59
What is the conservative view of society?
Society is organic and grows naturally.
60
What does “organic society” mean?
All parts of society depend on each other.
61
What is the conservative view on the free market?
It is generally supported.
62
Why do conservatives support free markets?
They promote efficiency and growth.
63
What is a problem with free markets (conservative view)?
They can create inequality.
64
What is One Nation conservatism?
A type of conservatism that reduces inequality.
65
Who created One Nation conservatism?
Benjamin Disraeli.
66
What is the aim of One Nation conservatism?
To unite rich and poor.
67
How does One Nation conservatism view welfare?
It supports limited welfare.
68
Why does One Nation conservatism support welfare?
To prevent social division.
69
What type of economy does One Nation conservatism support?
A mixed economy.
70
What is a mixed economy?
Both the state and private sector are involved.
71
What was the post-WW2 consensus?
Agreement on welfare and state intervention.
72
What economic idea was part of the consensus?
Keynesian economics.
73
What is neoliberalism?
A belief in free markets and a small state.
74
Who are key thinkers of neoliberalism?
Hayek and Friedman.
75
What is the neoliberal view on the state?
It should be minimal.
76
What do neoliberals believe about taxes?
Taxes should be low.
77
What is privatisation?
Selling state industries to private companies.
78
Why do neoliberals support privatisation?
It increases efficiency.
79
What is deregulation?
Reducing government rules on businesses.
80
Why do neoliberals support deregulation?
To encourage competition.
81
What is the neoliberal view on inequality?
It is acceptable.
82
Why do neoliberals accept inequality?
It motivates success.
83
What is neoconservatism?
Free markets plus strong authority.
84
What do neoconservatives believe about law and order?
It should be strict.
85
Why do neoconservatives support strict law and order?
To maintain stability.
86
What do neoconservatives think about national identity?
It should be strong.
87
What is the neoconservative view on welfare?
It can create dependency.
88
What is the New Right?
A mix of neoliberalism and neoconservatism.
89
What does the New Right support economically?
Free markets.
90
What does the New Right support socially?
Strong authority and traditional values.
91
What was Thatcherism?
UK version of New Right ideas.
92
What did Thatcherism focus on?
Privatisation and reducing state power.
93
Why did neoliberalism rise in the 1970s?
Economic problems like inflation.
94
What is the conservative view on revolution?
It should be avoided.
95
Why do conservatives oppose revolution?
It disrupts order.
96
What is the conservative view on individualism?
It is important but limited.
97
Neoliberalism
98
What do neoliberals want to reduce?
State welfare spending.
99
What kind of family structure do neoliberals prefer?
Traditional family structures.
100
What do neoliberals believe about responsibility?
Individuals should take responsibility for themselves.
101
What type of communities do neoliberals support?
Voluntary communities.
102
Where do neoliberals still support government spending?
Military, police, and security forces.
103
Conservatism Today
104
Why is conservatism harder to define today?
Because modern society is more unstable and complex.
105
What changed conservatism in the early 21st century?
The threat of terrorism.
106
What did some conservatives accept due to terrorism fears?
More state control (authoritarian policies).
107
Community & Society (Conservative View)
108
How do conservatives view community?
As very important and worth protecting.
109
Why do conservatives value community?
It provides stability and order.
110
What are conservatives wary of?
Rapid change and liberal individualism.
111
Edmund Burke Influence
112
What did Burke dislike?
Big, rapid societal change.
113
What did Burke support instead?
Gradual change and tradition.
114
What idea reflects Burke’s thinking?
Society should evolve slowly over time.
115
Nationalism & Brexit
116
What does nationalism emphasise?
National identity.
117
What event increased nationalism in the UK?
Brexit.
118
What did Brexit supporters want more of?
Control over laws and borders.
119
Conservative + Socialist Overlap
120
What do some conservatives and socialists both support?
Community and social cohesion.
121
What themes are shared across both ideologies?
Family, identity, and belonging.
122
Political Examples (Modern)
123
What is “Blue Labour”?
A mix of socialism with conservative values like tradition.
124
What policies are often prioritised today?
National security and protectionism.
125
What tension exists in modern politics?
Individual rights vs security.
126
Core Conservative Beliefs
127
What do conservatives believe about tradition?
It should be respected and preserved.
128
What do conservatives think about change?
It should be gradual, not sudden.
129
What do conservatives value more than rapid reform?
Stability and continuity.
Conservatism
flashcards
Decks in class (6)
# Cards
