Freethought & Rationalism Archive

the_seeker · 04-26-2003, 03:03 AM

This is a question that I've had in my head for a while now.

I honestly can't think of an answer.

Jat · 04-26-2003, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by the_seeker
This is a question that I've had in my head for a while now.

I honestly can't think of an answer.

Wel, my dictionary has them listed as;

Conservative:

1. Resistant to change

2. Opposed to liberal reforms

3. Avoiding excess

4. Unimaginatively conventional

5. Conforming to the standards and conventions of the middle class

the_seeker · 04-26-2003, 03:55 AM

Quote:

1. Resistant to change

What kind of change? The sorts of changes one would think of have already happened, or are inevitable. Surely, not "change" as a whole?

Quote:

2. Opposed to liberal reforms

What kind of reforms? Again, most that one would think of have already been implemented, or are inevitable now.

It seems rather odd to think that conservatism is, really, an ideology of opposition.

fando · 04-26-2003, 05:27 AM

I suppose one trait attributed to 'conservatives' is a general hawkishness. How is that conservative in the literal sense of the word? Sound kind of progressive if you ask me, progressive in the let's quit dlly-dallying and kill things to solve the problem sense. Rise to the challenge and rebuff the antagonists, now!

Oxidizing Material · 04-26-2003, 06:24 AM

Rage, lest someone else tries to take some. That and kittens made out of candy which is also made out of sunshine and rainbows.

meritocrat · 04-26-2003, 08:13 AM

One of the traditional tenets of conservatism is to be resistant to rapid societal change. They are not against change per se, but approve of gradual societal change.

fromtheright · 04-26-2003, 11:02 AM

I think meritocrat put it well. IMO, one of the best sources for the traditionalist conservative wing of conservatism is Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France (there are some good quotes on the essence of conservatism) but for me it was slow reading, mostly. A couple of others are George Nash's The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945 , a very readable history, and, from the "inside" of the traditionalist wing is Russell Kirk's The Conservative Mind . OK you guys can now start with the rolling eyes smilies and the "what conservative mind" comments.

God Fearing Atheist · 04-26-2003, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fromtheright
I think meritocrat put it well. IMO, one of the best sources for the traditionalist conservative wing of conservatism is Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France (there are some good quotes on the essence of conservatism) but for me it was slow reading, mostly. A couple of others are George Nash's The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945 , a very readable history, and, from the "inside" of the traditionalist wing is Russell Kirk's The Conservative Mind . OK you guys can now start with the rolling eyes smilies and the "what conservative mind" comments.

What conservative mind?

fromtheright · 04-26-2003, 02:32 PM

John Hancock · 04-26-2003, 03:20 PM

Ah yes! The resurrection of "The Robber Barons". Damn that class traditor Roosevelt.

Martin Buber

04-26-2003, 03:03 AM	#1
the_seeker Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Earth Posts: 37	Conservatives: what are you conserving? This is a question that I've had in my head for a while now. I honestly can't think of an answer.

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04-26-2003, 05:27 AM	#4
fando Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Los Angeles Area Posts: 1,372	I suppose one trait attributed to 'conservatives' is a general hawkishness. How is that conservative in the literal sense of the word? Sound kind of progressive if you ask me, progressive in the let's quit dlly-dallying and kill things to solve the problem sense. Rise to the challenge and rebuff the antagonists, now!

04-26-2003, 06:24 AM	#5
Oxidizing Material Banned Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Somewhere where I don't know where I am Posts: 2,069	Rage, lest someone else tries to take some. That and kittens made out of candy which is also made out of sunshine and rainbows.

04-26-2003, 08:13 AM	#6
meritocrat Banned Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: England Posts: 2,608	One of the traditional tenets of conservatism is to be resistant to rapid societal change. They are not against change per se, but approve of gradual societal change.

04-26-2003, 11:02 AM	#7
fromtheright Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 633	I think meritocrat put it well. IMO, one of the best sources for the traditionalist conservative wing of conservatism is Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France (there are some good quotes on the essence of conservatism) but for me it was slow reading, mostly. A couple of others are George Nash's The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America Since 1945 , a very readable history, and, from the "inside" of the traditionalist wing is Russell Kirk's The Conservative Mind . OK you guys can now start with the rolling eyes smilies and the "what conservative mind" comments.

04-26-2003, 02:32 PM	#9
fromtheright Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 633

04-26-2003, 03:20 PM	#10
John Hancock Banned Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mars Posts: 2,231	Ah yes! The resurrection of "The Robber Barons". Damn that class traditor Roosevelt. Martin Buber

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