Conservatism is a philosophy of human imperfection. Discuss

Introduction- · introduce and explain the three different types of conservatism; neo cons, neo libs (both the new right) and traditional conservatives Traditional conservatives- supports statement in question- · Traditional conservatives: imperfection in three areas: psychologically, morally, intellectually. · Explain each imperfection it its implications on wider society eg. welfare, justice system religion and idea of original sin, etc · These three imperfections underpin basis for traditional conservative view on human nature · These imperfections lead TC’s to promote a hierachy modelled society (bring in Disraeli and human body metaphor)- inequality is inevitable and total equality in undesirable · Duty and obligation- hierarchy needs obedience flowing up and power flows down. · Burke- tradition relates to hierarchy because institutions like the monarchy, organised religion and family all contain a hierarchy and are the basis of any stable society · Overall- TC’s believe humans are naturally imperfect, it has nothing to do with social inequality, thus hierarchy is okay and necessary. · Traditional conservatives provide treatment for our imperfections while still stating that equality is neither achievable nor desirable. Neo conservatives- supports statement in question- (thread in comparison with TC)- · Authoritarian view of conservatism, especially concerning human nature, 1960s and 1970s undermined the bonds that held society together and led to social disorder · TC’s and NC’s believe that institutions like religion, family and order are mandatory to remedy our imperfection · NC’s go further than TC’s- promote a ‘strong state’ with increased police powers and harsh punishments to suppress public disorder and the use of government power to reinforce traditional social structures · Less compassionate than TC. Doesn’t endorse Burke’s view of duty to the poor etc · main push is on the emphasis of family as an authority system; the husband is the provider, the wife is the house maker- return to traditional family values · NC’s do not believe welfare helps people like TC’s do, punishments are needed · NC’s do not believe in original sin and inevitable immorality in humans, thus they have harsher punishments than TC’s · However, both TC’s and NC’s believe human imperfection is a real problem; their beliefs on the state, tradition and society are founded on this. Neo liberals- undermines statement in question (ongoing comparison with TC and NC)- · Seen as the modern radical group of conservatism · Emphasizes rationality, self seeking individualism- contradicts idea of organic society in TC and big government ideals in NC · NC’s and NL’s agree on criminal behaviour being down to humankinds selfish interests (not original sin like TC’s) · Thatcher-‘there is no such thing as society’ implies that humans are born with a desire to pursue individual goals, and why shouldn’t they? Humans are rational, not imperfect · No need for organic society- there’s not enough movement for individuals to pursue their own goals (economic and social) · NL hold an atomistic view of society- society is and should be the product of self seeking and self reliant individuals, society is not a body · A good society operates on the grounds of the free market- the freer the market, the freer the people, working towards one common goal eliminates competition and is bad · No need for tradition, imposed hierarchy, religion, monarchy etc · Humans are rational, so should be able to choose their own goals. Conclusion · Divisions in conservatism make it difficult to come to an overall conclusion · Main difference is that neo-liberals do not believe humans are imperfect and neo-conservatives and traditional conservatives do · idea of human nature moulds and shapes the principles and beliefs in all ideologies, it can be said that neo-liberals opposition to humans being rational is equally as strong as the neo-conservative/traditional conservative view that humans being are imperfect