Conservatism: Core Ideas & Principles (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

Introduction

• Conservatism is based on a sceptical view of human nature, a preference for stability, and a belief in gradual change

  • Its core ideas relate to views about human nature, the state, society and the economy

• Although conservatives share common assumptions, different strands (Traditional, One Nation, New Right) interpret these ideas in different ways

Core principle: pragmatism

Core idea

• Conservatives prefer practical, cautious solutions based on experience, rather than risky “grand plans” or abstract theories

  • Preference for practical solutions over abstract theory

  • Politics should evolve through experience

  • Society should change gradually to avoid instability or revolution

  • Values empirical evidence - politicians should act on “what works”

  • Supports incremental reform rather than radical change

• Links to conservative view of human nature as flawed → need for simple, cautious decision-making

Key thinker

• Michael Oakeshott, Rationalism in Politics (1962)

  • Political decisions must reflect historical experience, not theory

Links to the four concepts

• Human nature: flawed → need for cautious, practical decision-making

• State: should govern cautiously; reform to conserve

• Society: gradual, organic change

• Economy: avoid sudden economic upheaval; pragmatic adjustments

Do Conservatives agree on this principle?

Core principle: tradition

Core idea

• Tradition is the “accumulated wisdom” of past generations. Conservatives believe we should respect it, not discard it

  • “Accumulated wisdom of generations” (Burke)

  • Provides stability, shared identity and social cohesion

  • Respect for long-standing institutions (monarchy, Parliament, family)

• Change should be slow and respect continuity

• Linked to pragmatism — what worked in the past should not be changed rapidly

Key thinker

• Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790)

  • Society is a partnership “between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born”

Links to the four concepts

• Human nature: people seek security and familiarity

• State: institutions embody accumulated wisdom

• Society: organic, stable, rooted in continuity

• Economy: cautious economic reform; preserve inherited frameworks

Do Conservatives agree on this principle?

Core principle: human imperfection

Core idea

•  Conservatives believe humans are flawed and cannot be perfected

  • Humans are flawed psychologically, morally and intellectually

  • People require strong authority, law and order and stable institutions

  • Society should prioritise order over liberty

• Rejects optimistic or rationalist views of human nature

Three types of imperfection

• Psychological: humans desire security, not freedom

• Moral: people are selfish and need guidance

• Intellectual: humans are limited and cannot understand complex change

Key thinker

• Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan (1651)

  • Life without authority is “nasty, brutish and short”

Links to the four concepts

• Human nature: inherently flawed

• State: needs strong, authoritative government

• Society: requires hierarchy and order

• Economy: scepticism towards radical economic change

Do Conservatives agree on this principle?

Core principle: organic state

Core idea

• Society is like a living organism – it grows and changes naturally over time, rather than being built from a blueprint

  • Society evolves naturally like a living organism

  • Individuals are interdependent

  • Social hierarchy is natural, beneficial and based on merit

  • ‘Noblesse oblige’: those at the top have obligations to those below

  • Stability depends on shared values and traditions

Key thinker

• Edmund Burke — society is a “partnership in all art and science”
  (implying organic growth rather than designed systems)

Links to the four concepts

• Human nature: people rely on structured communities

• State: natural hierarchy supports authority

• Society: cohesion based on shared values and gradual evolution

• Economy: preference for ordered, stable economic relationships

Do Conservatives agree on this principle?

Core principle: paternalism

Core idea

• The powerful have a duty (“noblesse oblige”) to care for the less fortunate

  • The state should intervene to maintain stability and harmony

  • Supports welfare and gradual reform within a natural hierarchy

  • Inequality is natural but creates moral obligations

Key thinker

• Michael Oakeshott, On Being Conservative (1956)

  • Government should maintain peace, not impose radical change

Links to the four concepts

• Human nature: people need guidance

• State: authority acts benignly for public good

• Society: hierarchy with mutual obligations

• Economy: cautious support for welfare to maintain order

Do Conservatives agree on this principle?

Core principle: libertarianism (neo-liberalism)

Core idea

•  Libertarianism prioritises individual freedom, especially in the economy, and wants the smallest possible state

  • Prioritises individual freedom and minimal state intervention

  • Markets allocate resources more efficiently than governments

  • Taxes restrict liberty — Nozick compared taxation to forced labour

  • Emphasises personal responsibility

  • Supports strong law and order to protect freedom

Key thinker

• Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged (1957)

  • Defended laissez-faire capitalism and “the virtue of selfishness”

Links to the four concepts

• Human nature: individuals are rational and self-interested

• State: should be minimal (“night-watchman state”)

• Society: focus on individuals rather than organic unity

• Economy: free markets, low taxes, deregulation

Do Conservatives agree on this principle?