Why Do Conservatives Put An Emphasis On Tradition Politics Essay

Why Do hidebounds Put An Emphasis On tradition Politics EssayIn this render I am going to attempt to answer the school principal encobblers lastd in the title of this paper. First I al wizardow assign the term conservatism secondly I will point conservatism seen from different perspectives, much(prenominal) as usanceal and ripe conservatives. My investigation will then focus on attempting to answer the title challenge. In the run short part I will construct an answer to the second question enclosed above and conclude with my own opinion on the lawsuit matter.The term Conservative and conservatism has been widely described and defined in literature. This depends on the area of the subject it has been elaborated upon. The concept of conservatism has invariably been controversial in a smack.1A conservative is disposed to withhold existing conditions, inventions, etc., or to restore usageal ones, and to limit change2. This toilette be seen as a way of favouring tra ditional understands and values and fear to oppose change. This has been the foundation of conservatives throughout account and unflustered being upheld in todays world and parliamentary law. As an ideological and social system conservatism is characterised by the preservation of the existing conditions of ships company, including the polity, from important changes, as well as refurbishment of a pre-existing social state to substitute for a non-conservative, notably liberal one. Therefore conservatism, when redefined can be segmented into several types such as form _or_ system of government-making, economic, social or cultural.3Huntington brings the view of conservatism seen through depressed theory as the indemnity-making orientation of a single and unique historic movement. (Huntington, 1957 454) He further explores other theories which relate to specific menagees in society. Liberalism is the political theory reserved for bourgeoisie Socialism and Marxism are rega rded as ideologies of the working class or proletariat whereas the Conservatism becomes the ideology of the aristocracy. (Huntington, 1957 454) The doctrines of conservative belief arrive from both Tory and Whig thought4. They contain a belief of loyalty to the district of law, property ownership, upholding institutions, belief in organic nature of society and control government.5Notably in England conservatism has become part of political wrangle around 1830. David Hume is often portrayed as the first conservative political theorist. He was the first major thinker to offer a philosophical defence of conservatism. Hume rejects the idea that the reason goes above what can be observed. In Humes view morality is concerned with swear out for a persons motives or reasons for action whether an act is right or wrong. Hume further argues that sentiment is a pre-rational whimsy towards somebody or something. (Hoffman and whole wheat flour, 2009 202) Conservative thinker Edmund hit doe s not take up abstractions, such as the inborn right proclaimed by the cut transformationaries in 1789. Burke defends habit, taste and prejudice. For Burke, the knowledge of other tribe, including previous generations, is the alternative that mustiness be highly discovered and followed if we are to avoid unfortunate social consequences. Burke in Reflection on the Revolution in France compares contrasts societies- French which has neglected prejudice in favour of theory and British, which has remained close to its traditions (..)that we realize made no discoveries, and we think that no discoveries are to be made, in morality not m some(prenominal) in the great principles of government, nor in the ideas of liberty, which were understood long before we were born, altogether a well as they will be after the grave has heaped its mould upon our presumption, and the silent tomb shall have imposed its law on our pert loquacity. (Burke, 1969 84 in Hoffman Graham 2009 202)Burke wa s on the side of what he saw as Britains Great Tradition in political history. (Nisbet 1986 4) Tory Party was older and favoured by the monarchy and much of aristocracy. Turning to the past for inspiration and for models on which to base policy in the present is deeply embedded in the conservative tradition and is sufficient reason for liberal and radical epithets of reactionary or anarchic. Emile Faguet refers to all of the conservatives as prophets from the past. (Nisbet 1986 18) Nisbet refers to Churchills emphasis on relating to past in the following I bid to live in the past I dont think people are going to get much fun in the future. (Nisbet 1986 19) For Burke legitimacy is the work of history and of traditions which go far beyond the resources of any single generations. (Nisbet 1986 23) To see things authentically as a conservative Mannheim writes () is to receive events in term of an attitude derived from circumstances and situations anchored in the past. (Nisbet 1986 23) The concreteness of experience and history is persisting conservative emphasis. (Nisbet 1986 24)Strauss is regarded as an important influence on what is called neo- conservatism. His view on conservatism is very different to that of Hume, Burke and Oakeshott. Strauss sought to play both, the reading of text in the history of political thought and the vivid right tradition. Use of Tory by modern font British Conservatives has been somewhat more than affection than anything really substantive. (Nisbet, 1986 11) Jeremy Bentham and his utilitarian philosophy reject Enlightenment, French Revolution and all philosophers of natural right. He said the past is of no use. (Nisbet, 1986 17)Michael Oakeshott was one of the most important conservative thinkers of the 20th Century. Oakeshott offered a critique of modern conservatives, who in concomitant are liberal rationalists. A rationalists stands for independence of head teacher on all occasions, for thought free from obligation to any effectiveness as he puts it save the authority of reason. (Oakeshott 19621 in Hoffman and Graham 2009 203) The rationalist rejects Burkean prejudice, custom and habit. He weighs that it is possible to reason about political institutions and the fact that something exists, and has existed in past, is no justification for respecting or retaining it. This lack of respect causes a political attitude of radical change earlier than graduated reform. The rationalist disrespect for institution extends to the world of ideas instead of a mensurable engagement with the complex intellectual traditions that have shaped western societies. (Oakeshott 1962 7 in Hoffman and Graham 2009 205)Tradition is a practice or institution that has continuedx through time and has been inherited from an earlier period.6Conservatives have defended tradition of different grounds. For some conservatives, tradition reflects their religious faith. If the world is thought to have been make by a creator, tradition al customs and practices in society should be regarded as God given. Therefore to change the tradition or natural laws would be to challenge the will of God. However after the acceleration of historical change old traditions were replaced by new ones. Man-made laws were being created such as universal suffrage and free elections. This certainly weakened fundamentalistic conservatism. Most conservatives, however, support tradition without needing to argue it has divine origins. Burke for example, describes society as a partnership between those who are living, those who are dead(a) and those who are to be born. (Nisbet, 1986 23) Nisbet uses Chestertons quote, who claims that tradition means giving votes to the most confuse of all classes our ancestors. It is democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the arrogant oligarchy of those who merely take a chance to be walking about. (Nisbet, 1986 24)Tradition is therefore seen by conservatives as experience of the past. Th e institutions and traditions have been tested by time, and therefore should be preserved for the benefits of future generations.In a sense, conservatives take a Darwinian view on tradition, that tradition has gone through a period of natural selection and has barely survived because it has worked and been found of real value. (Nisbet, 1986 28) An example of this is the British Monarchy. As historical wisdom and experience is gained from it, as well as gives a focus of issue loyalty, it should be preserved. In this sense, tradition also generates a feeling of individualism for society and individuals. (Hoffman and Graham 2009 213) As traditional practices can be treasure from generation to generation, it allows people to feel a sense of belonging. Change on the other hand is like walking into unknown and is therefore stark because it creates a feeling of insecurity and uncertainty, in fact threatening happiness. Tradition is therefore seen as fundamental principle of conservati sm. (Hoffman and Graham 2009 214)The philosophy of traditionalism is selective. A tradition must come from the past scarce it must be also desirable in itself. It is our touch with the past. There is another(prenominal) attribute of conservative respect of the old and traditional belief that no matter how archaic a given structure or modern may be, there may be in it a continuity, still vital, function that man profits from psychologically or sociologically. (Nisbet 1986 27) T.S Elliot in his essay on individual talent and tradition has written as corroborate traditionalist as well as revolutionist in poetical form and imaginary. The individual talent is simply impotent, condemned to spinning of wheels without a chosen tradition to work with. (Nisbet, 1986 29)The Conservative Party is the mean in todays society through which Conservatism is introduced into publics spheres. It has a set of beliefs that comprise British Conservatism and those beliefs that have been preserved and developed over time by Conservative thinkers and politicians. However looking at the recent years it is clear that the link between conservation and development of those beliefs and policies has not been very close as it should have been. Having analysed the above areas of conservatism it is clear in a sense that todays Conservatism and Conservative Party is not really conservative. Margaret Thatchers government 1979-1990 was rather rationalist if we analyse it in Oakeshotts view. (Hoffman and Graham 2009 206) For Oakeshott experience comes with tradition, therefore rationalism for him is the politics of the inexperienced. (Hoffman and Graham 2009 207) The contemporary significance of traditional conservatism is seen less(prenominal) as an active ideology. Current conservative party is no daylong fully conservative, but heading towards more of a liberal access which is their source of ideas. (Hoffman and Graham 2009 208) It can be argued that there has been a significant shift i n policies and philosophy of Conservative party under David Camerons leadership.7He has adopted a significantly different approach to his predecessors which can be characterised by focusing on new areas of concern, avoiding specific commitments, considering better policy options and being more value-oriented than in former Parliaments.8In my opinion conservatives party and its internal disputes are clear reflection of the contradicting interests present within their ideology. Having in mind that conservative view presents that society does not exist, and the world is provided a collection of self-seeking, egotistic individuals I do not believe they are able to invent a coherent way of thought process and going forward with a positive and constructive outlook upon the future. The fact that conservatives seem to be emphasising tradition and history of good times, praising the disembodied spirit and the level of society was during previous decades, will not improve but hinder their progression. I believe by looking backward to the past, conserving the humans cannot be perceived as it really is, but as it would like to be seen from the past perspective. I believe any modern ideology system has to be addressed to current affairs and relevant to present issues and look forward to the future, rather than the past. However having said that it is clearly observable that modern conservative party is collaborating with Liberal-Democrats seems to be a new scratch line or transformation that might bring positive results for the people and State.