Conservatism is a political ideology valuing tradition, stability, and limited government intervention to preserve established societal norms.
Introduction
Conservatism, a term coined in the early 19th century, encapsulates a political ideology rooted in a reluctance to embrace change, particularly in response to the transformative waves of the French Revolution. Russell Kirk in his work, ’The Conservative Mind’ defined conservatism as the desire to conserve , protect and save. Distinguished by its commitment to tradition, acknowledgment of human imperfection, and a dedication to preserving the organic structure of society, conservatism reveals a dichotomy between traditional conservatism and the more contemporary New Right.
Table of Contents
Core Themes
I. Tradition
Conservatives passionately defend traditional values, practices, and institutions, viewing them as manifestations of divine guidance and essential contributors to individual and collective identity. Edmund Burke’s assertion that the institutions of the past have withstood the test of time emphasizes the conservative commitment to preserving these elements for the benefit of current and future generations.
II. Human Imperfection
Taking a Hobbesian stance on human nature, conservatives believe in the inherent imperfection and unperfectibility of humanity. They argue that attempts at reform or revolution often lead to increased suffering, promoting a preference for inaction over potentially worsening the situation—a sentiment encapsulated in Michael Oakeshott’s adage that “the cure is not worse than the disease.”
III. Organic Society
Conservatives contend that human existence is inseparable from society, defining freedom as the fulfillment of one’s duty. They argue for the importance of acknowledging and adhering to societal duties, asserting that a society lacking such acknowledgment would become rootless and atomistic. This organic view envisions a harmonious interplay of societal components.
IV. Hierarchy and Authority
Embracing a natural hierarchy, conservatives recognize fixed social gradations and inherent inequality among humans. They advocate for leadership and discipline to maintain societal authority.
V. Property
Property, according to conservatives, provides security and aligns with the values of respect for law, authority, and social order. Property owners, motivated by their interest in maintaining law and order, play a crucial role in upholding conservative principles.
Authoritarian Conservatism: Embracing Tradition and Authority
Authoritarian Conservatism, rooted in a desire to preserve traditional hierarchies and values, found vocal proponents in historical figures such as Joseph De Maistre and Tsar Nicholas. De Maistre, a staunch critic of the French Revolution, sought to restore absolute power to the hereditary monarchy, advocating for complete subordination to the ruling authority. Similarly, Tsar Nicholas, ruling 19th-century Russia, championed the principles of ‘orthodoxy, autocracy, and nationality,’ opposing the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
The 20th century witnessed the resurgence of Authoritarian Conservatism, as conservative elites in Italy and Germany played pivotal roles in dismantling parliamentary democracies, paving the way for leaders like Mussolini and Hitler. This ideological strain emphasized a strong central authority as the cornerstone for societal order and stability.
Paternalistic Conservatism: Embracing Change within Tradition
Paternalistic Conservatism, with its roots traced back to Edmund Burke, offers a more nuanced perspective on change. Burke, reflecting on the French Revolution, acknowledged that change could be natural or unstable. He argued that resisting change is not always prudent, advocating for a conservatism that adapts to practical circumstances and experiences.
The quote, “A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservatism,” encapsulates Burke’s belief that a dynamic state, capable of prudent adjustments, is essential for the preservation of conservative values. Paternalistic Conservatives recognize the need for evolution within tradition to maintain societal equilibrium.
Liberal Conservatism: Navigating Tradition and Liberal Economics
Liberal Conservatism represents a fusion of traditional conservative values with liberal economic principles. Unlike a complete embrace of liberalism, proponents of Liberal Conservatism, while endorsing liberal economics, maintain a commitment to traditional conservative social philosophies rooted in authority and duty.
These conservatives are cautious about extending these values to all aspects of social life, driven by a pessimistic view of human nature. They argue that a strong state is necessary to uphold public order, balancing the benefits of liberal economic policies with the need for authoritative governance.
Key Figures in Conservatism
Edmund Burke
Considered the father of the Anglo-American Conservative political tradition, Burke’s ideas heavily influenced conservative thought. Edmund Burke, born on January 12, 1729, in Dublin, Ireland, and passing away on July 9, 1797, was a prominent British statesman, parliamentary speaker, and political theorist. His significance in the history of political thought grew, particularly when he advocated for conservatism in opposition to Jacobinism in his work “Reflections on the Revolution in France” in 1799. Elected as a Member of Parliament from Bristol in 1774, Burke’s reflections on the French Revolution became one of the most influential books, offering a comprehensive perspective on modern conservatism. What distinguishes Burke as a conservative thinker is his reverence for the past while acknowledging contemporary events. His resistance to innovations, denial of a fixed human nature, adherence to traditional societal beliefs, and emphasis on property ownership define him as a conservative thinker. He provided with a argument that revolutions devour their own children and turn them into their own opposites i.e ‘age of Chivalry is gone’.
Burke’s conservatism serves as the foundation for all his writings, encompassing subdivisions as status quo conservatism, organizational conservatism, and philosophical conservatism.
Michael Oakeshott
Michael Oakeshott, born on December 11, 1901, was an English philosopher and theorist who delved into the philosophy of history. He placed great importance on the concept of traditionalism, a key aspect of conservatism. Oakeshott was skeptical of change and innovation, advocating for careful consideration before embracing significant changes and encouraging a preference for small, gradual adjustments whenever possible.
Oakeshott’s works, including “Rationalism in Politics” and “On Human Conduct,” highlight the conservative disposition to favor the familiar and tried over the unknown and untried.
Irving Kristol
Irving Kristol (1920-2009) was a prominent American intellectual and key figure in the development of neo-conservatism. Criticizing the expansion of the welfare state, his influential works like “Two Cheers for Capitalism” and “Reflections of a Neo-conservative” reflected a nuanced perspective on capitalism, acknowledging its strengths while advocating for limited government intervention. Kristol’s neo-conservative ideology, marked by a strong national defense and skepticism of excessive welfare, gained influence in U.S. politics, particularly during the Reagan era, shaping conservative thought for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conservatism, shaped by a fear of disruptive change, is a nuanced political ideology characterized by a commitment to tradition, an acknowledgment of human imperfection, and a vision of society as an organic whole. Emphasizing the preservation of established institutions, conservative thought, with its various strands like authoritarian, paternalistic, and liberal conservatism, reflects a spectrum of responses to societal shifts.
Key figures like Edmund Burke, Friedrich von Hayek, Michael Oakeshott, Irving Kristol, and Robert Nozick have contributed significantly to shaping conservative principles. While defending tradition and hierarchy, conservatives also grapple with adapting to pragmatic changes. This ideological tapestry, rooted in a cautious approach to societal transformation, continues to play a crucial role in shaping political discourse and policy development across the globe. As societies navigate the complexities of the modern era, the enduring relevance of conservative thought underscores its lasting impact on political philosophy and governance.
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