The traditions of Conservatism
Each tradition answers the same spec questions differently. Learn the split and you can compare them in an essay.
Traditional Conservatism
Hobbes, Burke, Oakeshott
- Human imperfection - intellectually, morally and psychologically flawed
One Nation Conservatism
Disraeli, Burke, Oakeshott
- Same imperfection as Traditional, but used to justify paternalism
New Right (whole)
Rand, Nozick, plus a return to Hobbes on moral order
- Atomistic individualism (neo-lib) plus moral imperfection (neo-con); rational on the economy, pessimistic on morals
Neo-Liberalism
Rand, Nozick
- Atomistic, rational, self-interested - rejects pessimism
Neo-Conservatism
Hobbesian revival (no named spec thinker)
- Moral imperfection plus a need for moral authority
Side by side
The four core spec areas across every tradition.
| Theme | Traditional | One Nation | New Right | Neo-Lib | Neo-Con |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Nature | Human imperfection - intellectually, morally and psychologically flawed | Same imperfection as Traditional, but used to justify paternalism | Atomistic individualism (neo-lib) plus moral imperfection (neo-con); rational on the economy, pessimistic on morals | Atomistic, rational, self-interested - rejects pessimism | Moral imperfection plus a need for moral authority |
| The State | Strong state for law and order; organic and fragile; change only by tradition | Paternalism - the state as kind benefactor; helps the vulnerable to prevent division | Roll back the state on the economy (neo-lib) and roll it forward on morals (neo-con); Thatcher combined the two | Night-watchman or libertarian minimal state; no taxation beyond what is strictly needed | Authoritarian state in moral and security matters; tough on crime |
| The Economy | Capitalism and private property, but pragmatic not ideological | Pragmatic capitalism, prepared to support welfare and intervention when needed | Ideologically committed to free markets; rejects intervention and welfare | Laissez-faire, privatisation, free-market on principle | In line with neo-liberalism on the economy; not the main concern for neo-cons |
| Society | Organic society, natural hierarchy, tradition respected | Organic society plus paternalist hierarchy with a duty of care | Atomistic society (neo-lib) plus moral community (neo-con); merit, not hierarchy | Atomistic society plus meritocracy | Moral community plus traditional values; against atomism |