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24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 3. Conservatism

[government based on cultural tradition and stability]

13 ideas
Confucianism assumes that all good developments have happened, and there is only one Way [Norden on Kongzi (Confucius)]
All modern social systems seem to be conspiracies of the rich [More,T]
In the 1840s Hegel seemed to defend society being right as it is, as a manifestation of Mind [Hegel, by Singer]
We need both equality (to attend to human needs) and hierarchy (as a scale of responsibilities) [Weil]
National leaders want to preserve necessary order - but always the existing order [Weil]
Prosperity is a higher social virtue than justice [Kekes]
Conservatives are either individualistic, or communal [Sandel]
Allegiance is fundamental to the conservative view of society [Scruton]
So-called 'liberation' is the enemy of freedom, destroying the very structures that are needed [Scruton]
Belief that humans are wicked leads to authoritarian politics [Critchley]
Societies need shared values, so conservatism is right if rational discussion of values is impossible [Charvet]
Conservatives often want peace, prosperity and tolerance, but not social fairness [Gopnik]
Conservatives believe obedience and rank are essential to social order [Gopnik]