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Flashcards in core ideas of conservatism Deck (33)
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1
Q

what is conservatives view of human nature defined by

A

opposition to liberalism+socialism

2
Q

what two characteristics to cons stress about humans

A

frailty fallibility

cons view of human nature= ‘philosophy of imperfection’

3
Q

cons view human nature as descriptive not prescriptive what does this mean

A

see humanity as it is

not would it could/should be

4
Q

do cons see human nature as plastic

A

no, not malleable
its fixed+ constant
politicians should accomodate not alter this reality

5
Q

according to Hobbes what underpinned human nature

A

cold rationality

lead to individuals wanting to form a contract= a state

6
Q

what biblican principle does Burke draw upon (human nature)

A

original sin highlights ‘chasm between desire+achievement’

stressed custom+habit for how we should behave

7
Q

difference between Burke and Hobbes view on human nature

A

Burke did’t think humans brutally selfish as Hobbes

Burke=humans capable of kindness+wisdom (if rooted in tradition+christian teaching) Hobbes didn’t

8
Q

did Burke think humans were naturally individualistic like Hobbes

A

no saw them as communal

gained comfort from small communities

9
Q

Michael Oakeshott quote about conservatism

A

‘more psychology than ideology’

preference for what is known+fear uncertainty

10
Q

what did Michael Oakeshott say about human nature when framed in routine+religious principles

A

‘benign and benevolent’ (gentle,kind+well meaning)

11
Q

what did new right cons like rand and nozick think of human nature

A

humans wanted freedom had potential for innovation

did need restraint

12
Q

what has the new right’s view on human nature got in common with Hobbes

A

driven by self interest

must be contained for peace+stabibility

13
Q

7 themes within conservative society

A
localism 
organicism 
empricism 
tradition
hierarchy 
judea-christian morality 
property
14
Q

localism (theme in society)

A

little platoons
communities gave security+status
prevent selfish individualism

15
Q

organicism (theme in society)

A
seen as a plant (organic growth)
growth can't be predicted 
see 'reality' of unplanned society 
forces out of its control make life more complex 
harder to determine own fate
16
Q

empiricism (theme in society)

A

has to be this way bc its organic
no clear view how it will evolve
look to reason+evidence
‘stay afloat’

17
Q

tradition (theme in society)

A

change+reform can’t be drastic

must be respectful of the past

18
Q

hierarchy (theme in society)

A

hierarchies are natural
little platoons will have them
recognise power comes wi responsibility
paternalistic

19
Q

judeo-christian morality (theme in society)

A

strong emphasis on marriage,families+individuals responsible for own actions
don’t think ‘dysfunctional people’ caused by ‘dysfunctional society’ - human nature
religion will help curb these imperfections

20
Q

property (theme in society)

A

often inherited +provide stability
maintenance of property metaphor for maintenance of society
property owners have a ‘stake’=duty of care for others

21
Q

why are new rights even more enthusiastic about property (society) (Rand+Nozick)

A

want to create a ‘property owning democracy’

not just preserve but extend property

22
Q

new right overall view on society

A

stresses individual liberty more

but best in one which values hiearchy+judeo Christian culture

23
Q

themes within the state

A

order and authority
organic origins
ruling class
nation-state

24
Q

order and authority (state themes)

A

goal of state=order,security+authority
no order=no liberty
individual rights dependent on law
no order until emergence of clear laws

25
Q

organic origins (state themes)

A

sceptical about states which arise from formal ‘rational’ discussion
likely to be based on ideas not reality
want a state which emerges gradually
(more tolerant of uncodified constitution)

26
Q

a ruling class (state themes)

A

power will be aristocratic and hereditary
maintain traditional patterns of wealth
trained to rule the state

27
Q

the nation state (state themes)

A

nation=megacommunity
provides a natural basis for the state
german+french=nation before state
british+american=state defines much of the nation

28
Q

how would new rights view the state

A

strengthen nation state by rolling back frontiers
if it was too big its inefficient
can’t fufill main purpose

29
Q

why conservatives seen as ‘reluctant supporters of capitalism’ (economy)

A

free markets are unpredictable and promote risk

conservatives are sceptical of humans and radical change

30
Q

why is conservative economic described as protectionism (economy)

A

want free markets promotes property + inequality
don;t trust human nature
so want some state intervention

31
Q

why would tarriffs be seen as protectionist (economy)

A

promote one nation
offset globaliation
in line with cons view of national identity

32
Q

how does new right economics complement conservatism

A

disengaging state from economy means can focus on purpose of order

33
Q

new rights view on economy

A

more sympathetic view of free markets

e.g Thatcher+Reagan