Conservatism: An Introduction PDF

Conservatism Conservatism offers another model of how the power of the state should be used. In some senses it is more difficult to outline the theory of Conservatism than is the case for Liberalism or Marxism. Conservatism implies the desire to conserve; to protect what already exists; that there...

Conservatism Conservatism offers another model of how the power of the state should be used. In some senses it is more difficult to outline the theory of Conservatism than is the case for Liberalism or Marxism. Conservatism implies the desire to conserve; to protect what already exists; that there is value in tradition. The challenge is this: the specific institutions that are traditional differ according to time and place. So conservative theory (as opposed to specific conservative parties) does not generally promote one and only one type of political structure as being ideal. In fact, the conservative hypothesis is that rigid (particularly revolutionary) social plans of any type are potentially dangerous. One of the most influential conservative theorists is Edmund Burke, who wrote Reflections on the Revolution in France in 1790. Writing at the beginning of the French Revolution, Burke asked questions about the likely outcome of the revolution: “Liberté, égalité, fraternité,” or Tyranny? In other words, will this revolutionary attempt to reconstruct society result in a more enlightened and just society, or its opposite? Burke suggested that the French Revolution would end in despotism. In fact, revolutionary plans of any type are likely to end in violence and turmoil. There are several reasons why Utopian plans are unlikely to work as planned: a). Individual reasoning is error-prone and limited. Society is a complex and occasionally opaque organism – it is not knowable in all its complexity. Aspects of society that look less-than-ideal on the surface might actually be playing a valuable social role. Changes that might appear to make society better in the short run, might actually make society worse in the long run:  ○ “That which in the first instance is prejudicial [i.e. harmful] may be excellent in its remoter operation; and its excellence may arise even from the ill effects it produces in the beginning. The reverse also happens; and very plausible schemes, with very pleasing commencements, have often shameful and lamentable conclusions (Edmund Burke).” b). Reason only partially guides our actual behavior. We act based upon our passions and desires as much as on the basis of pure reason. In sum. our attempts to radically remedy social imperfection may make things worse rather than better. Consequently, we need to damper the dangers posed by revolutionary impulses. This can be done by instilling a sense of duty and obligation towards actually existing society, including a respect for the past – for tradition. In fact, traditional beliefs and customs usually have an element of wisdom embedded within them, even if we are not rationally aware of that wisdom. Attempting to undermine or radically overthrow tradition will eliminate the (albeit imperfect) social wisdom that it represents. Is Change ever desirable? While conservative theorists like Burke stress the value of tradition, they do not oppose to all change: “We must all obey the great law of change. It is the most powerful law of nature, and the means perhaps of its conservation. All we can do, and that human wisdom can do, is to provide that the change shall proceed by insensible degrees. This has all the benefits which may be in change, without any of the inconveniences of mutation. Every thing is provided for as it arrives. This mode will, on the one hand, prevent the unfixing old interests at once; a thing which is apt to breed a black and sullen discontent, in those who are at once dispossessed of all their influence and consideration. This gradual course, on the other side, will prevent men, long under depression,  from being intoxicated with a large draught of new power, which they always abuse with a licentious insolence (Edmund Burke, 1792).” Translation: Society changes and evolves over time. Attempting to suppress all social change is harmful. However, where government attempts to promote change, its approach should be cautious and gradual: Reform, not revolution. Critiques of Conservatism One common critique of conservatism relates to remedying injustices in the here and now. If the traditional social order is the source of the injustice, gradual change will not necessarily alleviate the harm and restore social peace. Revolutionary change may, in fact, be the only remedy.