Conservatism: Philosophy, Principles & Thinkers

Overview

Conservatism is a political philosophy that emphasizes the value of tradition, order, authority, and the limits of rational reform. It emerged as a distinct political tradition in response to the French Revolution, and it has since developed into one of the major ideological traditions of the modern world. The conservative tradition is characterized by a skepticism toward abstract theories of social and political reform, a respect for established institutions and practices, and a recognition of the complexity and fragility of social order.

Conservatism is not a single doctrine but a family of related traditions. Traditionalist conservatism, represented by Edmund Burke, emphasizes the value of inherited institutions and the wisdom embodied in custom and tradition. Libertarian conservatism, represented by F. A. Hayek, emphasizes the importance of limited government and free markets. Both traditions share a skepticism toward the idea that society can be rationally redesigned according to abstract principles.

Key Thinkers

The founding figure of modern conservatism is Edmund Burke, whose Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790) argued that the French Revolution's attempt to remake society according to abstract principles of reason would lead to tyranny. Burke argued that political institutions are the product of slow, organic development, and that they embody a wisdom that is not fully accessible to the rational understanding of any single generation.

In the twentieth century, the conservative tradition was developed by Michael Oakeshott, who argued that conservatism is not a doctrine but a disposition — a preference for the familiar over the unknown, for the tried over the untried, for the actual over the possible. The libertarian strand of conservatism was developed by F. A. Hayek, who argued that the attempt to plan society according to rational principles leads to totalitarianism.

Philosophical Relevance

Conservatism offers a distinctive perspective on the central questions of political philosophy. It challenges the rationalist assumption that social institutions can be justified by abstract principles alone, and it emphasizes the importance of historical experience, practical wisdom, and the accumulated knowledge embodied in traditions and customs. The conservative tradition enriches political philosophy by reminding us of the complexity of social life and the limits of rational reform.

Sources

1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, "Conservatism." Comprehensive survey of the conservative tradition.
2. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, "Edmund Burke." Analysis of Burke's political philosophy.
3. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, "Michael Oakeshott." Survey of Oakeshott's philosophical contributions.