Conservatism - Core Ideas and Principles

Who is one of the key conservative thinkers that emphasized the importance of tradition and culture?

• Thomas Hobbes

• Edmund Burke

• Michael Oakeshott

• Ronald Reagan

What is one of the main economic ideologies associated with conservatism?

• Socialism

• Communism

• Protectionism

• Laissez-faire capitalism

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 favor 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.

Empiricism: learning through ________________

What is one of the key differences between conservatism and other ideologies?

• Conservatives believe in the perfectibility of human nature

• Conservatives are enthusiastic about creating a utopian society

• Conservatives see human nature as flawed and imperfect

• Conservatives believe in radical change and revolution

Answer explanation

The key difference between conservatism and other ideologies is how they view human nature. Conservatives often see human nature as inherently flawed and imperfect, something that should be acknowledged and managed rather than corrected or perfected. This sets them apart from other ideologies that might aim for the perfectibility of human nature or the creation of a utopian society.

What is one of the main beliefs of conservatism about society?

• Society should be molded and formed according to an ideology

• Society should be dealt with practically based on evidence

• Society should strive for radical change and revolution

• Society should prioritize individual freedom above all else

What is one of the key values of conservatism in relation to property?

• Property should be abolished and redistributed equally.

• Property should be owned collectively by the state.

• Property ownership should be encouraged to create a law-abiding society.

• Property should only be owned by the ruling class.

What is one of the main roles of the state according to conservatism?

• To create a utopian society

• To promote radical change and revolution

• To protect individual freedom and rights

• To enforce strict hierarchy and inequality

What is one of the key characteristics of traditional conservatism?

• Embracing radical change and revolution

• Promoting egalitarianism and socialism

• Reacting against other ideologies and promoting moderate reform

• Advocating for a ruling class and strict hierarchy