Modern Conservatism in a Hostile Society

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes how modern conservatism differs from traditional conservatism. It stresses the possibility of reactionary politics and delineates modern conditions hostile to conservative thought.

From the Paper:

"Some highlights of Burke's conservative views in "Reflections on the Revolution in France" and Oakeshott's in "Rationalism in Politics" include the importance of tradition, the fear of rationalism in politics, the necessity religion, the preservation of what is good within the political realm through gradual changes, and the belief in multiple guiding principles. Oakeshott also argues that modern society has entered a period, which is bringing it apart from the above doctrine; a period, marked by profound independence of the mind, intellectual equalitarianism, and distrust of traditional values. Modern politicians embark on rationalistic behavior, which eventually leads to disregard of traditions, experience, and prejudice. Consequently, there is an inherent disagreement between conservatism as expressed by Burke and Oakeshott, and modern societal leanings."

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