Day 6: Conservatism

What is Conservatism?

Conservatism (रूढिवाद) is the political philosophy that values tradition, social stability, established institutions, and gradual change over rapid revolution. Conservatives believe that society has evolved organically over centuries, and the institutions that have survived — religion, family, law, customs — exist because they work. Radical change risks destroying things that hold society together.

Origins

Modern conservatism was born as a reaction to the French Revolution (1789). The revolution's violence — mass executions, destruction of the Church, social chaos — horrified many thinkers who believed reform should be gradual, not revolutionary.

Edmund Burke (1729–1797) — "Father of Conservatism"

Irish-British political thinker
Wrote Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790)
Argued that society is a contract between the dead, the living, and the unborn
Favored gradual reform over violent revolution
Believed in preserving customs, religion, and property as the foundation of stable society Joseph de Maistre (1753–1821)
French conservative who rejected the Enlightenment entirely
Argued for absolute monarchy and the supremacy of the Catholic Church
Represented the extreme reactionary wing of conservatism

Core Conservative Beliefs

Tradition is valuable — Institutions that have lasted centuries contain accumulated wisdom
Human nature is imperfect — Conservatives believe humans are flawed and need moral guidance
Order over equality — Social hierarchy is natural; forced equality leads to chaos
Gradual change — Reform is acceptable; revolution is not
Religion's role — Religion provides moral foundation for society
Private property — Sacred right; economic freedom is essential
Strong defense — Security and sovereignty are paramount

Conservatism in Nepal

Nepal's conservative tradition is deeply tied to Hindu religion (Nepal was a Hindu Kingdom until 2006), the monarchy (the Shah dynasty and caste system), and caste hierarchy.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is Nepal's main conservative party, advocating for restoration of Hindu Rashtra, return of constitutional monarchy, and traditional Nepali values.

Daily Quiz

Q1: Which historical figure is widely regarded as the 'father of modern conservatism' due to his critique of the French Revolution?

A) Edmund Burke ✓

B) John Locke

C) Thomas Hobbes

D) Adam Smith

Burke's work, Reflections on the Revolution in France, established the foundational conservative emphasis on tradition and gradual reform over radical upheaval.

Q2: In the context of conservative political philosophy, how is the concept of 'organic society' generally understood?

A) Society is a complex, living entity that evolves gradually and relies on established institutions like family and religion. ✓

B) Society is a rational contract created by individuals to maximize personal utility.

C) Society is a collection of atomized individuals free from all social obligations.

D) Society is a machine that can be perfected through universal human rights.

Conservatives view society not as a machine to be re-engineered, but as a living organism where stability depends on historical experience and traditional structures.

Q3: According to Jack Kerwick, what is a primary philosophical difference between 'Traditional Conservatism' and 'Neoconservatism'?

A) Neoconservatism is a species of Rationalism that seeks to use state power to achieve universal democratic ends. ✓

B) Traditional conservatism is more supportive of a world democratic revolution.

C) Traditional conservatism seeks to destroy the welfare state.

D) Neoconservatism is more skeptical of universal political theories.

Neoconservatism is identified as a form of 'revolutionary conservatism' that adopts rationalist blueprints to promote democracy abroad.

Q4: Why is American conservatism often described as a form of 'Classical Liberalism'?

A) It aims to conserve the principles of the American Founding, which emphasize individual liberty and limited government. ✓

B) It seeks to restore a European-style hereditary aristocracy.

C) It advocates for the total elimination of private property.

D) It rejects the U.S. Constitution in favor of absolute executive power.

American conservatives identify with the Enlightenment ideas of the Founding Fathers, viewing individual freedom as a tradition worth preserving.

Q5: A political analyst notes a movement favoring protectionist trade policies and 'culture war' issues. Which variant of conservatism does this align with?

A) National Conservatism ✓

B) Fiscal Conservatism

C) Neoconservatism

D) Libertarian Conservatism

National conservatism is characterized by a shift away from free-market internationalism toward protecting national culture, identity, and economic interests.