Conservatism Key Terms

Question 1

Define Pragmatism

Answer 1

Flexible belief of society- rejects theory and ideology in favour of practical experience

Question 2

Define Tradition

Answer 2

the institutions, customs and practices of a society that has developed over time.
-Believe society is the accumulated wisdom of the past

Question 3

Define Human Imperfection

Answer 3

humans are inherently flawed which makes them incapable of making good decisions for themselves.

Links to idea of original sin

Question 4

Organic society/state

Answer 4

society grows rather than being constructed and as an evolving organism it

should not to be subjected to sudden and drastic changes, which may weaken or destroy it

Question 5

Define Atomism

Answer 5

Idea that society is made up of self-interested and self-sufficient individuals

Question 6

What are the 3 types of human imperfection?

Answer 6

• Psychological
• Moral
• Intellectual

Question 7

What is the psychological view of human imperfection? (2)

Answer 7

Humans are dependent, crave safety and familiarity.

-social order has to come before liberty

Question 8

What is the view of moral human imperfection?

Answer 8

• Humans naturally selfish and greedy, (original sin)
• a tough stance on law and order is required, to deter criminal behaviour

Question 9

How are humans intellectually imperfect?

Answer 9

Intellectual reasoning of humans is limited

-Conservatives reject overarching theories or ideologies (pragmatism)

Question 10

Define hierarchy

Answer 10

Society is based on fixed social ranks and inequalities

Question 11

Paternalism

Answer 11

• benign power exerted from above by the state
• governs in the interests of the people
• those at the top of society have a duty to care for the lower ranks

Question 12

Libertarianism

Answer 12

• Minimal state intervention
• Rolling back the state for individual liberty
• operation of the capitalist free market represented natural laws

Question 13

Neo-liberal objections to state welfare (2)

Answer 13

• ‘dependency culture’- Hayek argued would create a ‘new serfdom’
• Undermines property rights, believe taxation is legalised ‘state robbery

Question 14

Noblesse oblige

Answer 14

with Nobility and the privilege bring social responsibilities and a duty to care for the less fortunate

Question 15

atomism

Answer 15

main component of society is the individual and that these individuals are self-interested, equal and rational.