POLSCI 1AA3 Lecture 6: Week 6 - Pt. 2- Conservatism
5 Dec 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
In some senses it is difficult to define conservatism as a theory. It implies the desire to conserve: that there is value in tradition. But the specific institutions that are traditional differ according to time and place. Nevertheless, the conservative hypothesis is that deference to tradition is important. What is traditional depends on where you live ( china vs usa) The theory of conservatism doesn"t outline one universal political plan that all societies must follow instead, it emphasizes the social value of traditions. Burke believes tradition is the best was to control society. Reason has to be part of society not traditions. Burke predicted that the french revolution would end in tyranny in fact any type of revolutionary project is likely to end in disaster. Eg: fire (making hot dogs / burning the forest) Edmund burke - reflections on the revolution in france, 1790. Says we need to look at society as a whole.
