preservation and gradual, organic change preferable to revolution
experience and tradition should be the basis for action
tradition provides continuity and identity
advocate of representative democracy (strongly linked to paternalism)
Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790)
"little platoons"
“a state without the means of change is without the means of its conservation”
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Human Nature
Burke stressed that humans fail more than they succeed.
He denounced idealistic visions of society based on “abstract ideas” – the foundation of his criticism of the French Revolution – and championed “empiricism” and “pragmatism” as cornerstones of successful social change.
Humans crave cultural homogeneity, without cultural diversity which we fear due being driven by “baser instincts”.
Natural human instinct towards competition calls for strong law and order.
Since humans have many “moral failings” Judeo-Christian religion is needed to socialise humans with a clear sense of right and wrong.
An organic society combats human imperfection by giving individuals a sense of belonging.
However, with strong leadership rooted in tradition, Burke believed that humans are capable of kindness, altruism and wisdom.
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The economy
Trade should involve “organic” free markets and laissez-faire capitalism.
Burke was an ally of Adam Smith but worried about how the status quo would be maintained within a free market.
Free market economics encourages meritocracy and immigration, which undermines traditional society based on shared identity and hierarchy.
Therefore, he supported “protectionism”, a “moderated form of capitalism” whereby the state imposes tariffs to protect national producers and consumers.
This helps to preserve “national identity” which unites an “organic society”.
The alleviation of poverty should occur through charity, according to the principle of “noblesse oblige”.
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Society
In Burke’s take on “localism” society is divided into “little platoons”; these are small communities with a clear hierarchy centred around Christianity. They would provide security, status and inspiration to citizens as well as preventing selfish individualism humans are naturally prone to.
Burke criticised societies based on “abstract ideas”; on the basis of this view he opposed the French Revolution which had created a new society based on utopian ideals of “liberty, equality, fraternity”. Instead aristocratic rule should be maintained since tradition should guide social change.
Burke believed that there is a natural hierarchy preserved by “organic society” in which each part plays a significant role.
The aristocracy does still have a role in providing for the poor; this responsibility is known as “noblesse oblige” or “paternalism”.
It is based on the idea that the poor should be cared for in order to stave off revolution, in accordance with conservative values of “change to conserve” and empiricism.
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The State
The state should be guided by tradition and pragmatism in its decision-making.
It should therefore be driven by a hereditary rule, on the principle that aristocratic rule has previously been proven to work, who act in the interest of all individuals.
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