Conservatism Ideology Summary Essay PDF

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Conservatism Ideology Summary Essay...

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Review of Conservatism Ideology Hawaii Pacific University

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The philosophy of conservatism is centralized on the idea of preserving things that root upon the principle of traditional or customary values. The term “conservative” pertains to individuals who are resistant or hesitant to change. They believe in maintaining the status quo of the upper, middle, and working-class while simultaneously promoting a set of virtues. Conservatives are unenthusiastic about liberals and their idealistic view that society could improve through radical changes. However, in modern times, conservatism is an umbrella label for a variety of viewpoints. Traditional, individualist, neoconservatism, and religious rights are the major perspectives that share distinct features, yet differs from one another. Society calls conservatism the political philosophy of imperfection because human nature always interferes with rational thinking and logical decision-making (Ball, Dagger, O’Neill, 2017, p. 111). People’s innovative endeavors in making a perfect society through a drastic transformation are what conservatives are opposed. Coined by the founder of conservatism, Edmund Burke insisted on the foundation in which civilization is built upon not be demolished and recreated but reformed with caution (Ball, et al., 2017, p. 117). He viewed society as a social fabric where constituent parts are subtly connected, and one abrupt change may result in catastrophic consequences. For this reason, the importance of customs and traditions in the form of government is justified to constrain people. Freedom and self-interest are vital, however detrimental if not regulated appropriately. Civilization would crumble, followed by anarchy and the rule of the mob. Classical or traditional conservatism emphasizes the need for morals and conduct to which society is expected to obey and conform. The core emphasizes the network of interdependence and mutual relationships instead of self-seeking individuals (Ball, et al., 2017, 130). Burke also believed in a natural aristocracy where the privileged are fit to represent and

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govern while commoners are not. However, hereditary aristocracy diminished over time and is substituted by a mass of society. Similar to Plato and Aristotle’s argument against democracy, the governing body comprised of unsuited representatives that may bring disaster to social stability. Following Burke’s ideology brought forth a division within the house of conservatism. Individualist conservatism manifested during the industrial revolution, where entrepreneurs believed in a free competitive marketplace (Ball, et al., 2017, 131). Rather than following the Burkean conservatism, these people focused on free enterprise and less government involvement. It implies that private properties and reduced taxes are favored because individuals should be responsible for themselves, not for others. They acknowledge inequality and social class as a natural outcome of capitalism. This system, however, is similar to classical liberalism. It became apparent early in the United States in which liberty is emphasized (Ball, et al., 2017, 124). Since the values of the founding fathers centered on natural rights and the pursuit of happiness, American conservatives hold these principles against modern approaches. From an objective perspective, conservatism is an anti-utopian philosophy that roots from the fear of the unknown. People are capable of rational thoughts and reasoning, however, only to a certain limit. Conservatives prefer slow changes in contrast to dynamic advances because it poses a great danger of losing everything. They seek to preserve the structure of society rather than risk it all in a revolutionary gamble. While progress and development are imperative, it does not necessarily mean it is a good thing. Time and change are inevitable, however, the fallacy lies in the concept that transformation equates to progression. Innovations and policy laws are not always superior to old customs. Despite being wary, it hinders improvement and remains stagnant. For example, the phase of hardships is extended and there would be many missed

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opportunities compared to a liberal path. Society is still moving forward but at a very slow rate. Conservatism is not only about leaning heavily in traditional values but because there is no better system. In their point of view, change is acceptable granted that it does not tear down the building block that the society is constructed upon. They prioritize the order that must be respected and obeyed otherwise they view it as a threat to society. Liberals are more concerned with the immediate effects of laws, while conservatives can distinguish that the long term good outweighs short term harm. They do not take feelings and emotions into account. If liberalism is the optimistic ideology for fairness and equality, conservatism would be the pragmatic view of life. Liberalism is designed to significantly reduce unequal opportunities, but would never achieve the true essence of equality. People are not always granted resources to compete on the same playing field. At the same time, the working class could exploit and take advantage of government programs, and possibly resulting in high debt. In this case, American conservatism or individualism where people govern themselves via the free market is essential. The government should have limited involvement in personal affairs to promote genuine freedom. Conservatism may seem selfish and lacks empathy, however, economic inequality is only natural. For instance, greed is part of human nature and plays an important role in free trade. Conservatives acknowledge this and use it at their disposal to move up the financial ladder. It is only fair to make decisions and be responsible for themselves. Social class is a fundamental aspect of society because it assigns social responsibilities and division of labor.

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References Ball, T., Dagger, R., & O’Neill, D. I. (2017). Political ideologies and the democratic ideal (Tenth edition). New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group....