What do conservatives mean by the organic theory of society? (10 marks)
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- Created on: 31-12-14 19:09
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- What do conservatives mean by the organic theory of society? (10 marks)
- Essentially this is a view that states, and the societies which function within them, develop naturally
- They are not social constructs based on ideological blueprints
- As such, states need to be perceived as single, living and evolving entities
- Such organic theories can be explained in two ways
- Conservative political philosophy
- Traditional conservatives have a preference for established forms of social knowledge
- see abstract, rationalist thought as depersonalised
- The integrity of the community within the organic state can be undermined by the ‘relentless march of reason’
- threatens centuries-old customs and traditions which have stood the test of time
- which exist because they have avoided natural extinction/ destruction
- threatens centuries-old customs and traditions which have stood the test of time
- Such ‘organic’ perspectives view states/societies as more than aggregates of individuals
- Instead, they are perceived as holistic entities which involve ties of mutual dependence
- in turn, suggest social duties and responsibilities as well as individual rights
- Could tie in paternalism, based on the notion of 'noblesse oblige'
- Instead, they are perceived as holistic entities which involve ties of mutual dependence
- Viewpoints like these lead to an appreciation of the need for strong, caring leadership by elites
- unlike the masses, possess the attributes, experience and leisure to be qualified to govern
- albeit with the quiescent support of their deferential supporters
- unlike the masses, possess the attributes, experience and leisure to be qualified to govern
- Traditional conservatives have a preference for established forms of social knowledge
- Organic analogy
- The idea that states/ societies are akin to biological organisms
- that must be protected from harmful internal and external influences
- Thus, just as the biological organism is dependent on the correct functioning of all of its constituent parts
- so societies comprise interdependent wholes
- If one part of the organism/ community is damaged
- (as a consequence of social revolutions or radical change conducted in haste)
- the correct functioning of the whole will be affected
- This accords with conservative antipathy towards rapid change in favour of slow, incremental
- ie organic, change
- This accords with conservative antipathy towards rapid change in favour of slow, incremental
- the idea of society as a fragile organic entity finds greater expression in continental European conservatism than in Britain
- but it does help to understand the aforementioned hostility of British conservatism to rapid social and economic change
- and to the desire to create a paternalistic ethos of ‘faith, family and nation’ as vital parts of the moral fabric of society
- but it does help to understand the aforementioned hostility of British conservatism to rapid social and economic change
- The idea that states/ societies are akin to biological organisms
- Conservative political philosophy
- Essentially this is a view that states, and the societies which function within them, develop naturally
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