Conservatism – Tradition, Order & Gradual Change
UPSC PSIR | Political Ideologies | Stability & Authority Framework
1️⃣ INTRODUCTION
Conservatism emerged as a reaction to the French Revolution. It defends tradition, hierarchy, religion, and social stability.
Key Thinker: Edmund Burke
2️⃣ CORE PRINCIPLES
- Respect for Tradition
- Gradual Reform (not revolution)
- Authority & Order
- Organic view of society
- Skepticism of rationalism
3️⃣ ORGANIC THEORY OF SOCIETY
Society is like a living organism.
It evolves slowly over time.
Sudden change destroys stability.
4️⃣ VIEW ON CHANGE
Conservatives accept change, but only gradual, evolutionary change.
Revolution leads to chaos.
5️⃣ VIEW ON EQUALITY
Natural inequalities exist.
Hierarchy is necessary for social order.
Opposes radical egalitarianism.
6️⃣ VIEW ON STATE
- Strong authority
- Rule of law
- Maintain social order
But not necessarily totalitarian.
7️⃣ CONSERVATISM vs LIBERALISM
- Liberalism → Individual freedom
- Conservatism → Social order
- Liberalism → Rational reform
- Conservatism → Tradition-based reform
8️⃣ CONSERVATISM vs MARXISM
- Marxism → Revolution
- Conservatism → Gradual evolution
- Marxism → Class equality
- Conservatism → Hierarchy
9️⃣ MODERN CONSERVATISM
- Cultural conservatism
- National identity
- Religious values
- Law and order politics
🔟 INDIAN CONTEXT
- Tradition-based politics
- Religious nationalism
- Emphasis on cultural continuity
MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss core principles of conservatism.
- Is conservatism anti-democratic?
- Conservatism vs Liberalism.
- Critically examine Burke’s political thought.
QUICK REVISION MAP
- Tradition
- Gradual change
- Organic society
- Authority
- Hierarchy
“Society is a partnership between the living, the dead, and the unborn.” – Burke
Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Ideologies Series
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