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Edexcel Politics A-Level: Conservatism

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What is Conservatism?
Conservatism seeks to conserve society as it is and is suspicious of change. Conservatism values pragmatism over ideological thinking, seeking to adapt its values over time, according to changes in society. However, new right thinking within conservatism in the 1970s and 1980s challenged much of what conservatism had traditionally stood for.

There are three content areas:
1. Conservatism: core ideas and principles
2. Differing views and tensions within conservatism
3. Conservative thinkers and their ideas.

Edexcel Politics A-Level: Conservatism

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25 Questions

1. Edmund Burke What was his criticism? Argued what would result? Ideas on society Ideas on reform

Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismTraditional/one-nation conservatism both associated - For traditional conservatives, Burke, pragmatism is essential in envoking natural, evolutionary change which allowed the state to continue for it needs to adapt over time - Burke: radical which ends in inevitable chaos - Core societal features can be preserved - Change to conserve

2. M. Oakeshott - Core Why can't modern society be understood? How are constructs compounded?

Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Traditional/one-nation conservatism both associated - For traditional conservatives, Burke, pragmatism is essential in envoking natural, evolutionary change which allowed the state to continue for it needs to adapt over time - Burke: radical which ends in inevitable chaos - Core societal features can be preserved - Change to conserveModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricism

3. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) - Key ideas 1. An ___ ____ 2. Humans are ___ 3. Wrote __

Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismTraditional/one-nation conservatism both associated - For traditional conservatives, Burke, pragmatism is essential in envoking natural, evolutionary change which allowed the state to continue for it needs to adapt over time - Burke: radical which ends in inevitable chaos - Core societal features can be preserved - Change to conserveKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)

4. Pragmatism 2 - traditional and one-nation conservative views What do traditional conservatives (Burke) believe and what has thus survived? Burke: what causes chaos What should be preserved Motto

Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Traditional/one-nation conservatism both associated - For traditional conservatives, Burke, pragmatism is essential in envoking natural, evolutionary change which allowed the state to continue for it needs to adapt over time - Burke: radical which ends in inevitable chaos - Core societal features can be preserved - Change to conserve

5. Thomas Hobbes - Human nature 1. Humans ___ and ___ -> people ___ 2. Humans are easily what?

1. Humans needy and vunerable -> people will compete voilently for personal benefit (especially within the state of nature) 2. Humans easily led astray in attempts to comprehend world -> human reasoning limited and attempts to understand world distorted by self-interestKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)

6. Conclusion - Society - organic or atomistic? Why would organic society be rejected?

Traditional/one-nation/neo-conservatives -> organic view -> all parts need to work harmoniously for healthy frame etc - Elite priviledges balanced by burden of social obligation and paternalism to less fortunate - Neo-libs -> reject assumptions underpinning organic society and instead view society as being collection of independant, rational beings (atomistic individualism)Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)

7. Traditional conservatism - organic society Small description What will destabilise thus ___ needed Founded on ___ that convey ___ held in place ___ Any changes must ___

Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismRegard society as an organic entity with complex interrelationships - Radical changes will undermine its sturcture and destabilize -> natural evolution through pragmatism needed - O.S founded on tried and tested institutions that convey authority, stability and obligations -> held in place by tradition - Any changes must preserve best features -> pragmatic reform drawing on tradition & experience - Also argue implementation of ideological blueprints to bring about an ideal society can only lead to social breakdown and disasterKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)

8. Ayn Rand (1905-82) - Key ideas People should x People should y

Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)1. People should pursue happiness as their highest moral aim 2. People should work hard to achieve a life of purpose & productivenessCriticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)

9. Edmund Burke (1729-97) - Key ideas - views on change and tradition 1. ___ should be ___ 2. Tradition & ___ Name of work

Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Traditional conservative 1. Change should be made cautiously mindful of delicate balance within organic society 2. Tradition & empiricism should be respected as they represent practices passed down from one generation to the next - Considered founder of modern conservatism by many with ideas outlined in work Reflections on the Revolution in FranceCriticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricism

10. Tradition - Burke -> Eg/unity -> prag

Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Customs & institutions that have developed over time should be preserved - Burke -> tradition constitutes cumulative wisdom of the past -> customs/institutions are fitting as they have withstood the test of time -> shld be preserved for future gens - Eg monarchy promoting national pride and unity over centuries -> social stability/cohesion - View linked to pragmatism -> only natural, evolutionary change accepted - Provides a sense of identity and fosters security by providing sense of familiarity

11. Imperfection - intellectual -> reality -> pragmatism

Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Intellectual and reasoning skills limited - Not enough intellectual capacity to understand world's complex reality - Consequently, conservatives reject any overarching ideals that claim to predict the development of human society - Instead humans draw upon traditon and practical experience to determine their place in the worldCriticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricism

12. Paternalism - better definition

Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismPaternalism is an approach to running the country in which members of the elite seek to govern in the best interests of the people - Paternalism is therefore closely associated with the concept of noblesse oblige

13. Traditional conservatism - Intoduction and Origins When did it originate and reaction to __ Strand described in what? Defends what based on commitments to (3 things)?

Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Origionated in late 1700s as a reaction of Enlightenment and French rev - Strand clearly set out in Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France - Defends the established order of society based on a commitment to organicism, hierarchy and paternalism

14. Conclusion - the state - one-nation -> New Right mix

Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)1-nation -> role is to preserve social order with social reform, econ intervention & preserving traditional institutions - New Right has authoritarian & lib views: -> minimal state in terms of enhancing free market (both neos c/l) -> but neoconservatives call for 'strong state' (police & punishments) to combat crime and antisocial behaviour -> neolibs prefer a minimal state (atomostic individualism)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricism

15. Michael Oakeshott - pragmatism quote

16. Neo-conservatism - anti-permissiveness Why is permissiveness rejected? What did Thatcher cite 2 problems with __ moral code

Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Reject permissiveness as there is no objective right/wrong - Thatcher citing need for 'victorian values' - 2 problems with persons own moral code: 1. Individual may opt an 'immoral lifestyle' 2. Freedom to choose moral code prevents the development of common moral values -> undermining tradition and social cohesionModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)

17. Neo-liberalism Why and when did it emerge? 4 core ideas

Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismLiberal New Right ideas emerging out of the economic problems in the west (1970s) which Keynesianism was not fixing: 1. minimal state 2. self-reliant individuals making their own decisions 3. rejection of collectivism 4. elimination of gov interventionModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)

18. The New Right - Neo-liberal elements of Thatcherism What was controlled? What 3 different economic policies were used?

Tight control over money supply through monetarist policy to control inflation / economic activity - Privitisation of key industries (gas,water,electric) to promte comp and efficiency - Promotion of free market policies through deregulation affecting London finance - Belief trade union power was endangering UK competitiveness so reduced power through legislationKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)

19. Organic society 2 - main - healthy frame -> structured organs -> underpinned

Idea of society as a living organism, all its parts work together ensuring a healthy frame - Internal elements of society have to be structured, like a living creature, with an interconnected set of organs -> represented by people who united can be more than just a collection of individuals - Society based on natural tendencies eg security/familiarity - Underpinned by hierarchy and authority 1. Hierarchy enables different classes to perform the different functions required (organs) 2. Reinforced by authority -> organically evolves operating top down and forging the different relationshipsCriticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)

20. Conclusion - The economy - all favour what? -> one-nation -> liberal conservative agreement?

All favour private enterprise - One-nation -> limtited gov intervention to gain high levels of employment (Keynesianism) and endorse welfare to maintain social stability - Neo-libs/cons -> argue for minimal state and endorse free market ->neo-libs highly rate free market claiming it is most efficient distributor of resources and best tool for reaching prosperityModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)

21. C.S - Pragmatism 1951-64 - one-nation retainment

Perhaps clearest example of one-nation conservative pragmatism with a series of admins recognising the success and popularity of Labour reforms -> pragmatically chose to retain them eg new welfare state and nationalised industriesCriticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)

22. The New Right - neo-conservative elements of Thatcherism What was defended? Strong ___ based on ___ Opposition of ___

Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Defence of traditional values including support for hetrosexual marriage and the nuclear family - Strong law-and-order policies based on support for police - Opposition to permissive attitudes eg Section 28 (law prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality)Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)

23. Key thinkers within Conservatism (7)

1. Thomas Hobbes - Traditional conservative - State of Nature - Leviathan - Authority and the importance of social order, as demonstrated by the state of nature - Humans are needy, vunerable and easily led astray in attempts to understand the world around them - Humans are greedy and will compete violently for personal gain, especially in a state of nature 2. Robert Nozick - Neo-liberal - Taxation to fund welfare is immoral and uneconomical - Individuals should not be used as a resource to further the goals of equality, they should own their bodies, talents and labour - Night watchman 3. Edmund Burke - Traditional conservative - Reflections on the Revolution in France - Change should be slow, pragmatic and evolutionary as to not undermine the delicate balance of organic society - Emphasis on tradition and the fact it is the duty of each generation to pass traditional customs, practices and institutions from one generation to the next -> fosters unity and a sense of identity 4. Michael Oakeshott - Change should be made in a pragmatic manner - Modern society is far too complex to be understood using ideological theory -> attempts to construct models are far too simplistic and are compounded by human intellectual imperfection 5. Ayn Rand - Libertarian - Objectivism -> libertarian philosophical system endorsign the virtues of rational self interests and laissez-faire capitalism - Claimed any attempt to restrict an individual's actions corrupted their ability to be rational and productive in society -> thus rejected welfare on the grounds that it relies on the implicit threat of force 6. Benjamin Disraeli - One-nation conservative - PM between 1874 - 1880 - Warned of Britian splitting into 2 nations, the rich and the poor - Called for paternalistic attidutes towards from the economic elite for the poor due to the growing social mobility for a revolution - Embraced a number of limited social reform such as the Second Reform Act and the Sale of Food and Drugs Act 7. Margeret Thatcher - New-Right - Emphasis on traditional values, citing the need to return Britian to 'victorian values' - Section 28 and the prohibitation of homosexuality - Advocate for monetarism, economic system prodominantly using cuts in public expenditure to reduce inflationary pressures - Privitisation policy alongside cutting trade-union powersModern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Key ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricism

24. Libertarianism 1 - idea What is it and what does it emphasise? What does it advocate? Emphasis what and rivals? When did it originate and influenced why whos work? Burke's ops on free market?

Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Political philosophy emphasising the individual liberty - Advocates minimum state intervention in citizens lives - Emphasis on economic liberalisation -> rivals paternalism - Evident in conservative thinking since the late 1700s -> influenced by Adam Smith's arguments for econ liberalism - Eg Burke: advocated free market citing its efficiency and claiming intervention would damage potential prosperity

25. Imperfection - psycological ___ and ___ crave what -> premium order liberty raises? Hobbes':

Criticised French revolution as trying to found a new society based on abstract principles (eg liberty) rather than lessons from past - Argued such drastic changes could only lead to chaos - Society represents an organism that should only be chanaged gently to preserve stability and cohesion - Reform should be pragmatic and founded in tradition & empiricismLimited and dependant - Crave security and familiarity - Thus place premium on social order as order provides security and stability - In constrast, liberty raises change and uncertainty - Thomas Hobbes' argument: social order has to come before libertyKey ideas: 1. An ordered society should balance the human need to lead a free life 2. Humans needy, vunerable, easily led astray in attempts to understand world around them 3. 'State of nature' - Wrote Leviathan -> absolute government and absolute obedience needed for evasion of chaos (natural state of mankind)Modern society both unpredictable/complex -> cannot be understood in abstract theories - Attempts to construct these theories far too simple -> compounded by human imperfection (intellectual- not able to comprehend complex reality)

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❤ If you liked Fatskills, consider supporting us by checking out The Life Manuals You Never Got.

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All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | What Should We Know?
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