Conservatism
Varieties; similarities/differences Edmund Burke’s political thought Conservatism (U.S.) resembles early,
classical liberalism Functions of ideology Ambivalence toward democracy Critique of classical liberalism Critique of welfare, welfare-state
liberalism Human nature, freedom, democracy
History
Edmund Burke older conservatism, classical conservatism
Newer variant, modern or contemporary conservatism
Similarities Conserving something
Differences What How By whom
Classical conservatism
Edmund Burke Spokesperson, standard-bearer, champion
Liberal view of human nature and government mistaken (theory) and politically pernicious (practice) Creatures of habit, custom, and tradition Political society living and changing
organism greater than sum of its individual parts
“Social contract” less a legal contract than a sacred covenant
Classical conservatism, II Freedom
Not necessarily a good thing; analogous to fire Depends on uses to which it is put Kept under control and put to good use,
freedom is valuable Out of control, destructive power of people
freed from legal and traditional restraints is horrible
No abstract “right” to liberty Rights -- including one’s right to liberty --
always concrete, never abstract or universal Liberties -- particular freedoms people enjoy in
particular societies
Classical conservatism, III Democracy
Ripe with possibility of abuse Too much power to least reflective,
responsible Society best governed by those with greatest
stake in its well-being, most reflective, thoughtful
Elected representative not a delegate, but a trustee Not a mirror nor messenger Represent interests as s/he sees fit
Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790) Envy and rage, abstract liberal theories about
“liberty” and “the rights of man,” mobs of masterless men and women embarked on mad rampage
Ordered liberty = to act in accordance with laws and abide by traditions of one’s own society
Laws and traditions enablements -- aids to help people play a useful part in larger, well-ordered whole
Society = web of relationships and reciprocal dependencies
Members of community or nation woven together like threads in larger social fabric
Society of self-seeking individuals, each independent of others and “free” to pursue his/her self-interest is deranged, disordered, or sick
Triadic notion of freedom Society = people involved in
relationships of mutuality and interdependence
Each person has his or her particular station or status and a stake in larger society
Goal of free men and women is to maintain integrity of social fabric
Politics of imperfection
Purpose of political activity = preserve and conserve social fabric within which human activities are carried on from day to day, from one generation to next
Politics = attending to arrangements of one’s society
Not to radically remake one’s society, to make imperfect persons and institutions perfect
“Politics of imperfection” Repudiation of “rationalist” politics of
perfection
“Muddling through”
Radicals and rationalists believe human nature is malleable and perfectible
Society is not perfect, can never be made so Politics = not an exact science but an inexact
and imperfect art -- the art of “muddling through” one step at a time and without aid of abstract theories or rationalist blueprints
One of the few simple truths is that there are no simple truths -- no easy solutions to social problems -- because social problems are always complex
Modern conservatism
Speaks language of liberalism and individualism Burke found objectionable
Seeks to conserve not Burke’s “social fabric” but principles of individualism, competition, and self-interest
Freedom tied to free enterprise, competitive, capitalist economic system; especially strong in U.S.
Problems are simple – stemming from too much government “interference” in operations of free market
Solutions are simple – reduce size of government; reduce government spending, particularly social welfare programs; and give free market free reign
Same as earlier, economically minded liberals (e.g., Manchester liberals)
Neoconservatives
Disenchanted welfare-state liberals Concerned with disruption and dislocations
of freewheeling market economy Welfare state has fared badly “Cultural contradictions” undermines
capitalism’s already-thin moral and intellectual foundations
Interest in artistic, literary, educational, and other cultural issues
Religious Right
Religion cornerstone of viable conservative society Classical conservatism profoundly skeptical;
Religious Right not Antipathy to communism Threat to traditions and way of life are economic,
political, cultural and moral Morality = Christian fundamentalism Claims to be democratic; society ruled by righteous
or “moral” majority of “born-again” Christians Government intervention in areas and activities
previously deemed private (e.g., abortions, prayer)
Conservatism as ideology Explanation (why social conditions are as
they are) human imperfection Evaluation (how we should judge the way
things are) by social peace and stability Orientation (our position, place, identity)
part of greater whole; must act with good of whole in mind; play our part in society
Program (what to do) proceed slowly and carefully; better to do a little good than a lot of harm
Conservatism and democracy Modest view of what is possible Given weakness of human reason and strong
tendency toward selfishness, pure democracy will degenerate into anarchy dictatorship or despotism
Democracy acceptable only when people have limited power and make limited demands
People must exercise self-restraint and elect members of natural aristocracy/conservatives to represent them and secure fragile social fabric
Key terms
Classical conservativespolitics of imperfectionoriginal sinEdmund Burkeorganic view of societyconservative (Burkean)
notion of freedomconservative reformprejudice (prejudgement)representative government
vs. direct democracytrue natural aristocracylittle platoons (civil society)
Reactionariescultural conservatismTory democracyindividualistic/modern
conservatismmass societyLevelingconservatives and
communismNeoconservatismreligious right
conservatives
Discussion questions
1. What is the classical conservative conception of human nature, freedom, and democracy?
2. How does classical conservatism function as an ideology?3. Conservatism is sometimes called the “philosophy” or “politics
of imperfection.” Is this an accurate description of conservatism? Be sure to refer to specific conservative thinkers and themes to support your position.
4. In the U.S., conservatives are usually taken to be people who want less government. Is this an adequate understanding of conservatism in general? Why or why not?
5. Some people say that conservatives are so divided amongst themselves that it makes no sense to think of conservatism as a single ideology. Are they right? Why or why not?
6. What are the major forms of conservatism in the United States today? Which of them do you find most and which least satisfactory? Refer to specific policies and positions as you explain your choices.