Conservatism

By /

Conservatism

Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into Conservatism, one of the central ideologies shaping political and cultural landscapes. In our previous lecture, we explored the three core aspects of all ideologies:

  1. The “Is” Question: A theory of how the world works.
  2. The “Ought” Question: How the world should be.
  3. The Action Plan: A roadmap from A (current state) to B (desired state).

Let’s examine how conservatism addresses these aspects.

The Conservative View of Society

1. Human Nature and Social Order

Conservatives believe that:

  • Humans are not blank slates and are not inherently good.
  • Individuals are often imperfect and driven by self-interest.
  • To ensure societal stability, humans require rules, norms, and hierarchies.

2. Change Through Evolution, Not Revolution

  • Conservatives value tradition and gradual reform over radical upheaval.
  • Societal progress emerges through incremental, trial-and-error improvements.
  • The wisdom of the past is seen as a repository of collective experience.

3. Society as an Organism

  • Society is viewed as a harmonious organism, not a battleground of competing interests.
  • Order and stability are prioritized to maintain social cohesion.

Core Principles of Conservatism

A. Respect for Tradition

  • Tradition embodies the collective wisdom of generations.
  • Rapid change is viewed as destabilizing and potentially harmful.

B. The Organic View of Society

  • Society evolves organically, akin to a growing oak tree.
  • Each individual has a role, contributing to the harmonious whole.

C. Incremental Change

  • Radical changes, like the French Revolution, are criticized for leading to chaos and disorder.
  • Edmund Burke, a pivotal conservative thinker, emphasized gradual reform over abrupt shifts.

Historical Context of Conservatism

1. Conservatism vs. Liberalism in the 18th Century

  • Conservatism defended the hierarchical order: monarchy, aristocracy, and church authority.
  • Liberalism, in contrast, promoted ideas like individual rights and popular sovereignty.

2. Key Historical Events

The French Revolution (1789)

  • Marked a radical shift from monarchy to popular sovereignty.
  • Burke criticized it as a cautionary tale of how revolutions lead to violence and instability.

The American Revolution (1776)

  • Though revolutionary, it laid the foundation for liberal governance.
  • However, early American conservatives emphasized order and good governance.

Modern Variations of Conservatism

1. Economic Conservatism

  • Associated with free-market capitalism and minimal state intervention.
  • Influenced by thinkers like Adam Smith and Milton Friedman.

2. One-Nation Toryism

  • Emphasizes social cohesion and welfare.
  • Rooted in the belief that the elite have a duty to support the less fortunate (noblesse oblige).

3. National Populism

  • Criticizes globalization and elite dominance.
  • Emphasizes national identity, cultural preservation, and border control.

4. Religious Conservatism

  • Seeks to preserve traditional religious values.
  • Examples include Christian democracy in Europe and Islamic conservatism in the Middle East.

Psychological Foundations of Conservatism

1. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

  • As societies become wealthier and more secure, people may shift towards self-actualization values.
  • Settlers (safety-oriented individuals) tend to align with cultural conservatism.

2. Moral Foundations Theory (Jonathan Haidt)

  • Conservatives prioritize:
  • Order and stability.
  • Loyalty and authority.
  • Sanctity and tradition.

The Future of Conservatism

Challenges and Evolutions:

  • Post-Cold War conservatism faces tension between:
  • Economic liberalism (free markets).
  • National conservatism (protectionism and cultural preservation).

The Question of Identity:

  • What is conservatism’s ultimate goal?
  • Conserving intrinsic values, whether tied to nation, religion, or tradition.

Conclusion

Conservatism evolves in response to societal challenges, balancing between:

  • Preserving established traditions.
  • Adapting to modern realities through incremental change.

It remains a vital framework for those who value order, stability, and continuity over radical transformation.

Light
Dark