Summary
Summary A-Level notes on Conservative ideologies and thinkers.
- Module
- Political Ideologies
- Institution
- PEARSON (PEARSON)
Pragmatism Imperfection/Rationality Organic Society Paternalism Tradition
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PragmatismImperfection/Rationality
Organic Society
Paternalism
Tradition
Traditional Thomas Hobbes - (1588-1679) - Throughout his life, Hobbes believed that the only true form
of Government was Monarchy. This belief stemmed from the central tenet of Hobbes' natural
philosophy that human beings are, at their core, selfish creatures.
Hobbes believed that human beings naturally desire the power to live well and that they will never be
satisfied with the power they have without acquiring more power.
Agree Pragmatism, Imperfections, Organic Society, Paternalism, Tradition
Traditional Edmund Burke - (1729-1797) - Society’s balance is delicate, so changes must be gradual and
taken with great caution. Burke believed in prescriptive rights and that those rights were "God-given".
Tradition must be respected as they represent theories passed and perfected over time, from one
generation to the next. Hated French revolution; It wanted to create a new society and forget tradition.
He liked tradition; Pursued social continuity and stability.
Agree Pragmatism, Imperfections, Organic Society, Paternalism, Tradition
One Nation Michael Oakeshott (1901-1990) - Pragmatism > Ideology (oversimplify complex situations).
He does not believe that the state can create a new society or a utopia based upon notions of social
progress. Politics can only be successful if it can deliver what is in the best interest of people, maintains
social stability with moderation & historical continuity and is flexible in shifting social realities.
Agree Pragmatism, Imperfections, Organic Society, Paternalism, Tradition
New Right neo-Libertarian, objectivism. Ayn Rand (1905-1982) - Happiness is highest moral aim. People
should work hard to feel productive. Called for Laissez-Faire, which was compatible with her beliefs that
the unrestricted expression of human rationality needed to be maintained. Respects individual’s persuit
of rational self interest. To control + regulate would be corrupt and undermine the capacity of that
person to work freely as a productive member of society.
Disagree Pragmatism, Imperfections, Organic Society, Paternalism, Tradition
Libertarian, moral focus Robert Nozick (1938-2002) - Individuals should be allowed to use their bodies,
talent, abilites and labour to their full potential. New Right “Always as an end, never as a means only” -
said humans should be treated as such as this meant that humans are rational, self-aware beings with
free will, and should not be treated as mere resources.
Disagree Pragmatism, Imperfections, Organic Society, Paternalism, Tradition
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