Classical Conservatism 17th – 19thC Sought to defend the status quo against the challenges of modernity, secularism and liberalism. Edmund Burke (1729 – 1797) Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790) Very pessimistic about radical social and political change as with the French Revolution of 1789.

Main Tenets of Classical Conservatism Order and stability: Maintained to the extent that authority is respected. Therefore, traditional bases of authority such as law, state power, religion, class, patriotism etc…should be protected. Human Nature: Humans are born wicked (original sin). Pessimistic about the perfectibility of man. Restraints needed for civilization.

CC cont… 3. Experience/Pragmatism: Politics should be guided by the experience generated over centuries and not simply by “reason” or “ideals”. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” 4. Gradual, incremental change: Against radical or extreme changes to society and politics. Organic view.

CC cont… 5. Pessimistic about equality: Prefer liberty but see these as in tension if not contradiction. 6. Particularists rather than universalists: What is right for the US or Britain will not be for all countries. 7. Government needs to be very powerful given human fallibility.