Continuing the series of examining the meaning of poliltical ideoligies and buzzwords within the framework of a philosophy, the focus of this entry will be upon the term "Conservative", looking at what it is and how it orients itself in society politically and non-politically.
The meaning of Conservative can be expressed as a cultural, social, and political ideology desiring the preservation of traditional institutions, customs, and values. Conservativism is not limited to certain United States political parties (namely Republican and Libertarian), but is a political philosophy held in many countries throughout the world. One of the first display of conservatism came in the 18th Century with Edward Burke, who in opposition to the French Revolution, insisted that such was the destruction of traditional institutions of state and society rule and values.
Later, historian Russell Kirk in the mid-twentieth century, defined the five canons of Conservatism in his book, The Conservative Mind which are: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservatism)
- A belief in a transcendent order, which Kirk described variously as based in tradition, divine revelation, or natural law;
- An affection for the "variety and mystery" of human existence;
- A conviction that society requires orders and classes that emphasize natural distinctions;
- A belief that property and freedom are closely linked;
- A faith in custom, convention, and prescription, and a recognition that innovation must be tied to existing traditions and customs, which entails a respect for the political value of prudence.
The Founding Fathers of the United States were influenced by the philosophies of Burke and Kirk, with the principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence namely
- that of a belief in God (“endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”),
- liberty (“that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”);
- limited government (“Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”);
- an adherence to tradition (“Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes”).
Today these principles are heavily leaned on by the Republican, MAGA, and Liberterian parties. However, it is important to note that these three parties are not singular in their Conservative beliefs; other political ideoligies find value in Conservatism.
