Introduction to Political Theory

Chapter 9

Conservatism

Introduction

Conservatism is an elusive ideology. Although there are conservative streams

of thought in parties and movements calling themselves ‘conservative’, the

main ideology of these movements is a combination of liberalism and

nationalism, with the former particularly dominant. There are far fewer ‘small

c’ than ‘big C’ conservatives. Yet despite its marginalisation, conservatism is

a distinct ideology, and conservative thinkers present arguments of continuing

relevance. Above all, conservatives challenge the idea that society can be

planned in a rational way without regard to tradition and historical experience.

This core idea leads them to support national institutions, but not radical

nationalism; individual liberty against state power, but not the natural rights

that many liberals defend; spontaneous order, but not anarchism; community,

but not socialist collectivism.

Chapter map

In this chapter we will:

• Outline the main elements of
  conservatism.


• Discuss the work of four key
  conservative thinkers: David Hume,
  Edmund Burke, Michael Oakeshott and
  Leo Strauss.
  
  
  • Draw out the practical implications of
    conservative thought.
  
  
  • Distinguish conservatism from the
    other traditional ideologies.