Warning

My initial notes were quite messy - I’ve used Gemini to refactor them.

Key Terms

• Change to Conserve: The principle that institutions must be updated to be preserved.
• Human Imperfection: The belief that humanity is flawed and fallible, making utopian society impossible.
• Organicism: Society is a living entity that emerges naturally rather than being artificially created.
• Empiricism: A preference for evidence and experience over abstract theory.
• Paternalism / Noblesse Oblige: The obligation of the ruling class to look after the interests of the less fortunate.
• Tradition: Reliance on customs and history to provide security and identity.
• Hierarchy: The belief that an unequal distribution of power and status is natural and functional.
• Little Platoons: Small, diverse, and autonomous communities that provide individual security.
• One-Nation Conservatism: Prioritizing national unity through state-sponsored social reform.
• The New Right: A merger of neo-liberalism (free markets) and neo-conservatism (traditional authority).

Core Tenets

• Human Nature: Viewed as fixed, selfish, and intellectually limited. Unlike liberals or socialists, conservatives do not believe humans can be “remoulded” by society.
• Society: Seen as an unplanned organic plant rather than a machine. It is rooted in “localism” and the protection of private property.
• The State: Its primary function is to provide order, security, and authority. It should emerge gradually and respond to practical needs rather than abstract ideals.
• Economy: Generally pro-capitalist because it supports property and hierarchy, but traditionalists are “reluctant supporters” who fear market volatility can threaten social stability.