Traditional Conservatism

Human Nature

Pessimistic view on human nature

Believed that humans are inherently flawed and prone to selfishness and greeed

Emphasised the importance of tradition, culture and religion in shaping and restraining human behaviour

The State

Tend to favour a limited and minimal role of the state in peoples lives

Government should maintain law and order, national defense and protecting property rights

Skeptical in government intervention in the economy and personal matters

The economy

Typically support free-market capitalism with minimal government regulation

Believed that economic prosperity is best achieved through individual initiative and entrepreneurship

Emphasise the importance of economic stability and the protection of local industries and jobs

Society

Value stability and continuity of society

Emphasise the role of social institutions such as the family, religion and community in providing a sense of moral guidance

Critical of rapid social change and new social norms

the organic society has to be organised as a hierarchy

Overview

late 18th century

This strand of Conservative thought is clearly set out in Burke's Reflection on the Revolution in France (1790)

defends the established order in society based on commitment to organicism, hierarchy and paternalism