Conservatism

What is Pragmatism?

• This rejects practical experience and argues that innovation is the way forward

• This argues that you must take a fundamentalist approach to theory

• This rejects theory and ideology in favour of practical experience

• This argues that you should keep trying different options until something works

Because of human imperfection, conservatives stress that (2 answers):

• There needs to be a tough stance on law and order to deter criminal behaviour

• We are naturally competitive, self-interest is a more powerful motivator than altruism

• The state is bad, its existence corrupts us and makes us do evil things

• Cooperation is needed, a sense of equality that binds us together as one

What is Atomism? (2 answers)

• The idea that society is made up of self-interested and self-sufficient individuals

• The commit to building a nuclear weapon within five years

• The idea that society consists of an explosion of common interests that need to be tied together

• Increasing social breakdown and isolation

What ideas does the New Right believe in? (2 answers)

• Keynesian Economics

• Libertarianism

• Neo-Liberalism

• Paternalism

What 2 strands of Conservatism are associated with pragmatism? (2 answers)

• Traditional

• New Right

• Neo-Liberal

• One-Nation

What does "Noblesse Oblige" mean?

• Nobles have no obligations

• Obligations are essential to a effective society

• Nobles have to behave with honour for greater glory

• Nobility and privilege brings social responsibilities with it

What is laissez-faire capitalism?

• Capitalism should be free from restriction or controls set by the government

• Lazy people will dominate the economic system, taking long toilet breaks and sitting in the park

• Capitalism needs to be controlled and regulated by a higher authority

• Life needs to be fair. Capitalism should promote equality and mutual understanding

What did Edmund Burke argue?

• Change is natural and necessary and should be encouraged

• The French Revolution demonstrates the importance or radical, revolutionary change

• The American Revolution was not a true revolution, as society was not sufficiently transformed afterwards

• Change should be approached with caution, protecting the delicate balance of society

Which event caused Edmund Burke to first develop his ideas surrounding the importance of tradition?

• The American Revolution

• The French Revolution

• The Industrial Revolution

In what 3 ways do conservatives believe humans are flawed and imperfect? (answer 3)

• Psychological

• Moral

• Intellectual

• Financial

• Sociological