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Single Idea 7588

[from 'A Dictionary of Political Thought' by Roger Scruton, in 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 3. Conservatism ]

Full Idea

Conservatives have made the concept of allegiance, conceived as a power, fundamental to their description of the experience of society

Gist of Idea

Allegiance is fundamental to the conservative view of society

Source

Roger Scruton (A Dictionary of Political Thought [1982], 'allegiance')

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'A Dictionary of Political Thought' [Pan 1983], p.12


A Reaction

This provokes the famous slogan of "My country - right or wrong!" However, the issue here is not going to be decided by a consequentialist analysis, but by a view a of human nature. I think I would want to carefully prise allegiance apart from loyalty.