more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
Were it true that rational discussion of values is impossible, then a conservative attitude would seem to be the only viable position. Some set of common values is necessary to maintain the unity of a political society.
Gist of Idea
Societies need shared values, so conservatism is right if rational discussion of values is impossible
Source
John Charvet (Liberalism: the basics [2019], 07)
Book Ref
Charvet,John: 'Liberalism: the basics' [Routledge 2019], p.73
A Reaction
Better to say that the less values can be both discussed and changed the stronger is the case for a degree of conservatism. Conservatives tend to favour values asserted by authority, rather than by popular (undiscussed) consensus.
| 23393 | Confucianism assumes that all good developments have happened, and there is only one Way [Norden on Kongzi (Confucius)] |
| 7257 | All modern social systems seem to be conspiracies of the rich [More,T] |
| 21988 | In the 1840s Hegel seemed to defend society being right as it is, as a manifestation of Mind [Hegel, by Singer] |
| 23817 | We need both equality (to attend to human needs) and hierarchy (as a scale of responsibilities) [Weil] |
| 23829 | National leaders want to preserve necessary order - but always the existing order [Weil] |
| 23107 | Prosperity is a higher social virtue than justice [Kekes] |
| 22259 | Conservatives are either individualistic, or communal [Sandel] |
| 7588 | Allegiance is fundamental to the conservative view of society [Scruton] |
| 8990 | So-called 'liberation' is the enemy of freedom, destroying the very structures that are needed [Scruton] |
| 20451 | Belief that humans are wicked leads to authoritarian politics [Critchley] |
| 22838 | Societies need shared values, so conservatism is right if rational discussion of values is impossible [Charvet] |
| 23126 | Conservatives often want peace, prosperity and tolerance, but not social fairness [Gopnik] |
| 23132 | Conservatives believe obedience and rank are essential to social order [Gopnik] |