Core Ideas & Principles of Conservatism

Conservatism is a broad and complex political ideology, rooted in a scepticism towards radical change and an emphasis on tradition, order and pragmatic governance. This overview outlines the core ideas and principles of conservatism and explores how these principles relate to views on human nature, the state, society and the economy.

Pragmatism

Pragmatism is central to conservatism, reflecting a flexible approach to politics and society. Rather than adhering rigidly to ideology or abstract theory, conservatives argue that decisions should be made based on experience, tradition and what works in practice. This principle is closely associated with both traditional and one-nation conservatism.

• Traditional conservatives such as Edmund Burke asserted that society is too complex for humans to predict or control, so change should be cautious and guided by practical experience.
• One-nation conservatives adopt pragmatism to justify reforms that address social inequality and maintain stability, rather than pursue ideological purity.

Pragmatism acknowledges the unpredictability of human affairs and therefore supports gradual, piecemeal change, ensuring that the state and social order are preserved.

Tradition

Tradition refers to the accumulated wisdom, customs and institutions handed down by previous generations. Conservatives argue that tradition embodies the collective experience of society, which has been tested over time.

• Stability: Tradition provides continuity and a sense of identity, which fosters social stability and emotional security for individuals.
• Organic change: Conservatives favour change that is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The concept of ‘change to conserve’ suggests that adaptation is necessary to maintain the essence of society.
• Security: Adhering to tradition creates a sense of belonging and reassurance, reducing the uncertainties of rapid or radical change.

Human Imperfection

Conservatism holds a pessimistic view of human nature, believing that humans are innately flawed and susceptible to error. This concept of human imperfection has three main aspects:

• Psychological imperfection: Humans are dependent, irrational, and seek safety and belonging. As such, they require the guidance and support of established authority and social order.
• Moral imperfection: Individuals are prone to selfishness, greed, and anti-social behaviour. Strong laws, moral guidance, and firm authority are necessary to regulate conduct.
• Intellectual imperfection: Humans possess limited intellect and cannot comprehend or rationally organise the complexity of society. Therefore, utopian schemes and radical change are dangerous and likely to cause harm.

This view justifies conservative support for authority, hierarchy, and cautious reform.

Organic Society and State

Conservatives view society as an organic entity, likened to a living organism. The needs and health of the whole are prioritised over those of individual parts (atomism).

• Cohesion: A strong, cohesive society is formed through interdependence and shared values, which bind individuals together.
• Authority and hierarchy: Hierarchies are natural and beneficial, with each individual and group playing a specific, necessary role. Authority is seen as legitimate and necessary for social order.
• Change to conserve: Organic societies adapt gradually, preserving core institutions and practices that maintain social harmony.

This idea opposes the liberal notion that society is merely an aggregate of self-interested individuals.

Paternalism

Paternalism is the belief that those in positions of authority or privilege have a responsibility to look after those less able to help themselves. It is sometimes described as ‘benign power exerted from above’.

• Traditional conservatism: Advocates an authoritarian approach, where the state or elite governs in the best interests of all, even when this goes against the wishes of the people. The rationale is that only the knowledgeable and experienced can make sound decisions for the whole.
• One-nation conservatism: Emphasises a moral obligation for the wealthy and privileged to support the poor and vulnerable. This principle underpins policies such as the welfare state and social reform to prevent social unrest.
• New Right (Thatcherite) conservatism: Rejects paternalism as inefficient and undermining of individual responsibility. Instead, it emphasises free markets, individualism, and a minimal role for the state in social welfare.

Libertarianism (Neo-Liberalism)

Libertarianism, especially in its neo-liberal form, represents a significant strand within modern conservatism, particularly since the late twentieth century.

• Liberty and autonomy: Libertarian conservatives seek to maximise individual freedom, especially economic freedom, and reduce state intervention in both the economy and personal lives.
• Economic values: Neo-liberalism supports free markets, competition, and private enterprise as the best mechanisms for promoting prosperity and innovation.
• Moral values: Individuals are considered rational actors, capable of making their own decisions without interference from the state.

This position often comes into tension with the more paternalistic and traditional branches of conservatism.

Key Terminology

Hierarchy: The organisation of society into ranked orders, where authority and responsibility are distributed unequally but purposefully, often seen as natural and desirable by conservatives.

Authority: The legitimate and accepted power to enforce law, give orders and make decisions, seen as essential to maintaining order and preventing societal breakdown.

Change to conserve: The principle that limited, pragmatic change is sometimes necessary in order to preserve the essential elements of society and prevent more radical disruption.

Atomism: The belief that society is made up of self-interested and largely self-sufficient individuals, sometimes associated with more libertarian or neo-liberal conservatives, but generally rejected by traditional conservatives in favour of organicism.

Summary

The core ideas and principles of conservatism are interconnected and often reflect a sceptical, cautious attitude towards human nature and society. Whether advocating pragmatic reform, upholding the wisdom of tradition, emphasising the limitations of human nature, or preferring organic social order over radical individualism, conservatives prioritise stability, security, and continuity. The development of the ideology, from traditional conservatism through one-nation paternalism to neo-liberal libertarianism, highlights both tensions and adaptability within the tradition.