Conservatism
Definition
Conservatism is always and everywhere a reaction against something; that is a common perspective, particularly in political analysis.
Context
Focus on Preservation: Conservatism, at its core, emphasizes preserving established institutions, traditions, and values. This inherent desire to maintain the status quo often places it in a position of reacting to changes and challenges to those institutions or traditions. Historical Examples: The history of conservatism is often seen as a response to various historical events and shifts in society. For example, conservatism is frequently traced back to thinkers like Edmund Burke and Joseph de Maistre who reacted to the French Revolution. Situational Nature: Some scholars describe conservatism as a situational ideology, meaning it adapts to the specific historical circumstances and challenges it faces. This view suggests that conservatism's principles are often articulated and applied in response to perceived threats to existing order.
"Reactionary" as a Term: The term "reactionary" is sometimes used to describe conservatism, highlighting its opposition to social transformation and its support for a traditionalist perspective.
However, it's important to consider: Conservatism and Change: While emphasizing preservation, conservatism doesn't necessarily mean absolute opposition to change. Edmund Burke, a key figure in conservative thought, recognized that a society without the means of change is without the means of its conservation. This suggests a nuanced understanding of conservatism where calculated and prudent change can be accepted to preserve essential elements of society.
Beyond Reaction: Some perspectives suggest that conservatism involves a positive vision of a good society, guided by principles like transcendent moral order and social continuity.
Variety Within Conservatism: It's crucial to acknowledge the diverse forms and manifestations of conservatism throughout history and across different cultures.
Conclusion
- While conservatism frequently reacts to challenges and changes, viewing it solely as a reaction might be an oversimplification. It can also involve efforts to adapt and improve while still holding to certain core values and principles.
- In other words, conservatives want to hold onto what that have while proposing alternative adaptions to progress that do not threaten their holdings.
- Liberalism started out very conservative.
- Progressive politics wanted Liberalism to move quickly with little regard for the rule of law, which resulted in the reign of terror after the French Revolution. Conservatism was just Edmund Burk's response which then split off from Liberalism as the moderating force to rapid progress. But that reaction has had no impact on technological progress which continues to advance exponentially.
Acceptance
While the conservatives were convinced that they were fulfilling the destiny of history to create a well-ordered political system, many considered them to be reactionary dreamers that did not understand reality.[1] Russell Kirk was the source of a re-emergence of Conservative views who was described by the conservative Michael Oakeshott as a false profit.[2] But the result was the acceptance of these ideas by Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan that changed the composition of the Republican party during those years.
References
- ↑ Francis Biddle, The Blur of Mediocrity New Republic 1953-08-24
- ↑ Bradley J. Birzer, Russell Kirk, American conservative 2015 p 116 ISBN 9780813166186
Other Material
- See the wiki on Conservative Systems for applications to physical as well as political environments.
- See the wiki on Gladstone for the liberal party response to Conservatism in the UK.
