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'''Conservatism''' is a term used to describe [[political philosophy|political philosophies]] that favor tradition and gradual change, where tradition refers to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs. The term is derived from the Latin, ''com servare'', ''to preserve''; "to protect from loss or harm". Since different cultures have different established values, conservatives in different cultures have differing goals. Some conservatives seek to preserve the [[status quo]] or to reform society slowly, while others seek to return to the values of an earlier time, the [[status quo ante]].
'''Conservatism''' is a term used to describe [[political philosophy|political philosophies]] that favor tradition and gradual change, where tradition refers to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs. The term is derived from the Latin, ''com servare'', ''to preserve''; "to protect from loss or harm". Since different cultures have different established values, conservatives in different cultures have differing goals. Some conservatives seek to preserve the [[status quo]] or to reform society slowly, while others seek to return to the values of an earlier time, the [[status quo ante]].
Conservatism as a political philosophy is difficult to define, encompassing numerous different movements in various countries and time periods; there may sometimes be contradictions between alternative conceptions of conservatism as the ideology of preserving the past, and the contemporary worldwide conception of conservatism as a [[right-wing]] political stance. For instance, as one commentator questions, "who are the 'conservatives' in today's [[Russia]]? Are they the unreconstructed [[Stalinists]], or the reformers who have adopted the [[right-wing]] views of modern conservatives such as [[Margaret Thatcher]]?"<ref>[http://politicalcompass.org/ The Political Compass Home Page]</ref>
Conservatism as a political philosophy is difficult to define, encompassing numerous different movements in various countries and time periods; there may sometimes be contradictions between alternative conceptions of conservatism as the ideology of preserving the past, and the contemporary worldwide conception of conservatism as a [[right-wing]] political stance. For instance, as one commentator questions, "who are the 'conservatives' in today's [[Russia]]? Are they the unreconstructed [[Stalinists]], or the reformers who have adopted the [[right-wing]] views of modern conservatives such as [[Margaret Thatcher]]?"<ref>[https://politicalcompass.org/ The Political Compass Home Page]</ref>
[[Samuel Francis]] defined authentic conservatism as “the survival and enhancement of a particular people and its institutionalized cultural expressions.”<ref>[http://www.samfrancis.net/pdf/all1992.pdf www.samfrancis.net]</ref> [[Roger Scruton]] calls it “maintenance of the social ecology” and “the politics of delay, the purpose of which is to maintain in being, for as long as possible, the life and health of a social organism.”[http://profam.org/Special/thc_scruton_0405s.htm profam.org] Conservatives believe that radical change and unproven beliefs should not be quickly implemented before being tested.
[[Samuel Francis]] defined authentic conservatism as “the survival and enhancement of a particular people and its institutionalized cultural expressions.”<ref>[https://www.samfrancis.net/pdf/all1992.pdf www.samfrancis.net]</ref> [[Roger Scruton]] calls it “maintenance of the social ecology” and “the politics of delay, the purpose of which is to maintain in being, for as long as possible, the life and health of a social organism.”[https://profam.org/Special/thc_scruton_0405s.htm profam.org] Conservatives believe that radical change and unproven beliefs should not be quickly implemented before being tested.
==Development of thought==
==Development of thought==
Because many religions preserve a founding text, or at least a set of well-established traditions, the possibility of Radical Religious Conservatism arises. These are radical both in the sense of abolishing the status quo and of a perceived return to the radix or root of a belief. They are ante conservative in their claim to be preserving the belief in its original or pristine form. Radical Religious Conservatism generally sees the status quo as corrupted by abuses, corruption, or heresy. One example of such a movement was the [[Protestant]] [[Reformation]].
Because many religions preserve a founding text, or at least a set of well-established traditions, the possibility of Radical Religious Conservatism arises. These are radical both in the sense of abolishing the status quo and of a perceived return to the radix or root of a belief. They are ante conservative in their claim to be preserving the belief in its original or pristine form. Radical Religious Conservatism generally sees the status quo as corrupted by abuses, corruption, or heresy. One example of such a movement was the [[Protestant]] [[Reformation]].
In [[Islam]], the [[Salafi]]st movement is often politically and socially radical, and is violently repressed by governments and distrusted by the majority of mainstream Muslims for that reason. Salafism seeks to impose, by force if necessary, its vision of a model Islamic society such as existed at the time of [[Muhammad]]'s passing from this world and for a short time thereafter. It rejects the later developments of Islamic societies, and can therefore be classified as a radical religious movement.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/intro/islam-salafi.htm Salafi Islam], globalsecurity.org
In [[Islam]], the [[Salafi]]st movement is often politically and socially radical, and is violently repressed by governments and distrusted by the majority of mainstream Muslims for that reason. Salafism seeks to impose, by force if necessary, its vision of a model Islamic society such as existed at the time of [[Muhammad]]'s passing from this world and for a short time thereafter. It rejects the later developments of Islamic societies, and can therefore be classified as a radical religious movement.<ref>[https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/intro/islam-salafi.htm Salafi Islam], globalsecurity.org
Similar phenomena have arisen in practically all the world's religions, in many cases triggered by the violent cultural collision between the traditional society in question and the modern Western society that has developed throughout the world over the past 500 years. Much of what is labelled as radical religious conservatism in the modern world is in fact an indigenous fusion of traditional religious ideals with modern, European revolutionary philosophy, sometimes Marxist in nature.
Similar phenomena have arisen in practically all the world's religions, in many cases triggered by the violent cultural collision between the traditional society in question and the modern Western society that has developed throughout the world over the past 500 years. Much of what is labelled as radical religious conservatism in the modern world is in fact an indigenous fusion of traditional religious ideals with modern, European revolutionary philosophy, sometimes Marxist in nature.
===Conservatism and economics===
===Conservatism and economics===
The phrases "economic liberal" and "economic conservative" seem to be antonyms, diverging from modern [[neoliberalism]], and [[classical liberalism]] in the tradition of [[Adam Smith]]. [http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=1689] Some conservatives look to a modified free market order, such as the [[American System (economic plan)|American System]], [[ordoliberalism]], or [[Friedrich List|Friedrich List's]] [[National System]]. The latter view differs from strict [[laissez-faire]] in that the state's role is to promote competition while maintaining the national interest, community and identity.
The phrases "economic liberal" and "economic conservative" seem to be antonyms, diverging from modern [[neoliberalism]], and [[classical liberalism]] in the tradition of [[Adam Smith]]. [https://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=1689] Some conservatives look to a modified free market order, such as the [[American System (economic plan)|American System]], [[ordoliberalism]], or [[Friedrich List|Friedrich List's]] [[National System]]. The latter view differs from strict [[laissez-faire]] in that the state's role is to promote competition while maintaining the national interest, community and identity.
Outside the United States, "liberal" often refers only to free-market policies. For example, in Europe "liberal-conservative" is an accepted term. Differences in meaning and usage of the terms "liberal" and "conservative" have contributed to a great deal of confusion, and often the words seem to be used with no more meaning than "us" and "them". Conservatives and classical liberals are "allied against the common enemy, socialism," but classical liberals are less suspicious of big government than conservatives.(Quinton, Anthony. ''Conservativism'', A Companion to Contemporary Political Philosophy, editors Goodin, Robert E. and Pettit, Philip. Blackwell Publishing, 1995, p. 246.)'''
Outside the United States, "liberal" often refers only to free-market policies. For example, in Europe "liberal-conservative" is an accepted term. Differences in meaning and usage of the terms "liberal" and "conservative" have contributed to a great deal of confusion, and often the words seem to be used with no more meaning than "us" and "them". Conservatives and classical liberals are "allied against the common enemy, socialism," but classical liberals are less suspicious of big government than conservatives.(Quinton, Anthony. ''Conservativism'', A Companion to Contemporary Political Philosophy, editors Goodin, Robert E. and Pettit, Philip. Blackwell Publishing, 1995, p. 246.)'''
=== British conservatism ===
=== British conservatism ===
Conservatism in the [[United Kingdom]] is related to its counterparts in other Western nations, but has a distinct tradition. [[Edmund Burke]] is often considered the ''father of conservatism'' in Anglo-American circles. Burke was a [[British Whig Party|Whig]], while the short name "Tory" is given to the modern Conservative Party. Being an 18th century Whig does not preclude a person from being a major figure in the development of that Party. The modern day Party system cannot safely be traced back before the French Revolution and subsequent wars. The views of Burke remain a central tenet of conservative thinking across much of the English-speaking world. As one [[Australia]]n scholar argues, "For Edmund Burke and Australians of a like mind, the essence of conservatism lies not in a body of theory, but in the disposition to maintain those institutions seen as central to the beliefs and practices of society." (Worthington, Glen, [http://web.archive.org/web/20060913184447/] [http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rn/2001-02/02RN29.htm} Conservatism in Australian National Politics], Parliament of Australia Parliamentary Library, 19 February 2002)
Conservatism in the [[United Kingdom]] is related to its counterparts in other Western nations, but has a distinct tradition. [[Edmund Burke]] is often considered the ''father of conservatism'' in Anglo-American circles. Burke was a [[British Whig Party|Whig]], while the short name "Tory" is given to the modern Conservative Party. Being an 18th century Whig does not preclude a person from being a major figure in the development of that Party. The modern day Party system cannot safely be traced back before the French Revolution and subsequent wars. The views of Burke remain a central tenet of conservative thinking across much of the English-speaking world. As one [[Australia]]n scholar argues, "For Edmund Burke and Australians of a like mind, the essence of conservatism lies not in a body of theory, but in the disposition to maintain those institutions seen as central to the beliefs and practices of society." (Worthington, Glen, [https://web.archive.org/web/20060913184447/] [https://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rn/2001-02/02RN29.htm} Conservatism in Australian National Politics], Parliament of Australia Parliamentary Library, 19 February 2002)
The old established form of English and, after the [[Acts of Union 1707|Act of Union]], British conservatism, was the [[Tory]] Party. It reflected the attitudes of a rural land owning class, and championed the institutions of the monarchy, the [[Anglican Communion|Anglican Church]], the family, and property as the best defence of the social order. In the early stages of the [[industrial revolution]], it seemed to be totally opposed to a process that seemed to undermine some of these bulwarks. The new industrial elite were seen by many as enemies to the social order.
The old established form of English and, after the [[Acts of Union 1707|Act of Union]], British conservatism, was the [[Tory]] Party. It reflected the attitudes of a rural land owning class, and championed the institutions of the monarchy, the [[Anglican Communion|Anglican Church]], the family, and property as the best defence of the social order. In the early stages of the [[industrial revolution]], it seemed to be totally opposed to a process that seemed to undermine some of these bulwarks. The new industrial elite were seen by many as enemies to the social order.
A Liberal-Conservative coalition during [[World War I]] coupled with the ascent of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]], hastened the collapse of the Liberals in the 1920s. After [[World War II]], the Conservative Party made concessions to the socialist policies of the Left. This compromise was a pragmatic measure to regain power, but also the result of the early successes of [[central planning]] and state-ownership forming a cross-party consensus. This was known as 'Butskellism', after the almost identical [[Keynesian]] policies of [[Rab Butler]] on behalf of the Conservatives, and [[Hugh Gaitskell]] for Labour.
A Liberal-Conservative coalition during [[World War I]] coupled with the ascent of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]], hastened the collapse of the Liberals in the 1920s. After [[World War II]], the Conservative Party made concessions to the socialist policies of the Left. This compromise was a pragmatic measure to regain power, but also the result of the early successes of [[central planning]] and state-ownership forming a cross-party consensus. This was known as 'Butskellism', after the almost identical [[Keynesian]] policies of [[Rab Butler]] on behalf of the Conservatives, and [[Hugh Gaitskell]] for Labour.
However, in the 1980s, under the leadership of [[Margaret Thatcher]], and the influence of Sir [[Keith Joseph]], there was a dramatic shift in the ideological direction of British conservatism, with a movement towards [[free-market]] economic policies. As one commentator explains, "The [[privatization]] of state owned industries, unthinkable before, became commonplace [during Thatcher's government] and has now been imitated all over the world."<ref name="mt">Davies, Stephen, [http://www.ashbrook.org/publicat/onprin/v1n2/davies.html Margaret Thatcher and the Rebirth of Conservatism], Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs, July 1993</ref> Some commentators have questioned whether Thatcher's conservatism ([[Thatcherism]]) was consistent with the traditional concept of "conservatism" in the [[United Kingdom]], and saw her views as more consistent with radical [[classical liberalism]]; Thatcher herself was described as "a radical in a conservative party"<ref name="mt"/>, and her ideology has been seen as confronting "established institutions" and the "accepted beliefs of the elite",<ref name="mt"/> both concepts incompatible with the traditional conception of "conservatism" as signifying support for the established order and existing social convention.
However, in the 1980s, under the leadership of [[Margaret Thatcher]], and the influence of Sir [[Keith Joseph]], there was a dramatic shift in the ideological direction of British conservatism, with a movement towards [[free-market]] economic policies. As one commentator explains, "The [[privatization]] of state owned industries, unthinkable before, became commonplace [during Thatcher's government] and has now been imitated all over the world."<ref name="mt">Davies, Stephen, [https://www.ashbrook.org/publicat/onprin/v1n2/davies.html Margaret Thatcher and the Rebirth of Conservatism], Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs, July 1993</ref> Some commentators have questioned whether Thatcher's conservatism ([[Thatcherism]]) was consistent with the traditional concept of "conservatism" in the [[United Kingdom]], and saw her views as more consistent with radical [[classical liberalism]]; Thatcher herself was described as "a radical in a conservative party"<ref name="mt"/>, and her ideology has been seen as confronting "established institutions" and the "accepted beliefs of the elite",<ref name="mt"/> both concepts incompatible with the traditional conception of "conservatism" as signifying support for the established order and existing social convention.
===Australian conservatism===
===Australian conservatism===
==See also==
==See also==
*'''''[[Liberalism]]'''''
*[['And' theory of conservatism]]
===Further reading===
===Further reading===
* Fascists and conservatives : the radical right and the establishment in twentieth-century Europe / Martin Blinkhorn., 1990
* Fascists and conservatives : the radical right and the establishment in twentieth-century Europe / Martin Blinkhorn., 1990
* Radicals or conservatives? The contemporary American right / James McEvoy., 1971
* Radicals or conservatives? The contemporary American right / James McEvoy., 1971
* [[Robert Nisbet]] ''Conservatism: Dream and Reality'', 2001. ISBN 0-7658-0862-5
* [[Robert Nisbet]] ''Conservatism: Dream and Reality'', 2001. ISBN 0-7658-0862-5
* James Page, 'Ought the Neo-Cons Be Considered Conservatives? A Philosophical Response'.AQ: Journal of Contemporary Analysis. 75(6):32-33/40. 2003; available on-line at http://eprints.qut.edu.au/archive/00003599/
* James Page, 'Ought the Neo-Cons Be Considered Conservatives? A Philosophical Response'.AQ: Journal of Contemporary Analysis. 75(6):32-33/40. 2003; available on-line at https://eprints.qut.edu.au/archive/00003599/
* Conservatism in America since 1930 : a reader / Gregory L Schneider., 2003
* Conservatism in America since 1930 : a reader / Gregory L Schneider., 2003
* Noel O'Sullivan ''Conservatism''
* Noel O'Sullivan ''Conservatism''
==External links==
==External links==
*[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhi.cgi?id=dv1-60 ''Dictionary of the History of Ideas'':] Conservatism.
*[https://etext.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhi.cgi?id=dv1-60 ''Dictionary of the History of Ideas'':] Conservatism.
*[http://thedailyconservative.net ''Conservative news'':]
*[https://thedailyconservative.net ''Conservative news'':]
[[Category: General Reference]]
[[Category: General Reference]]
[[Category: Political Science]]
[[Category: Political Science]]