Add BookmarkThe Meaning of Conservatism
This is a major contribution to political thought from conservatism's greatest contemporary proponent. Originally published in Britain in 1980 and revised in 1984, this edition - the first ever in the United States - is a major rewriting of the work. Scruton's idea of conservatism - what in America we tend to call "paleo-conservatism" - might well shock the sensibilities of those American "conservatives" who view it as little more than the workings of the free market. Conservatism, says Scrut... (show more)
This is a major contribution to political thought from conservatism's greatest contemporary proponent. Originally published in Britain in 1980 and revised in 1984, this edition - the first ever in the United States - is a major rewriting of the work. Scruton's idea of conservatism - what in America we tend to call "paleo-conservatism" - might well shock the sensibilities of those American "conservatives" who view it as little more than the workings of the free market. Conservatism, says Scruton, is neither automatic hostility toward the state nor the desire to limit the state's obligations toward the citizen. Rather, conservatism regards the individual not as the premise but the conclusion of politics, a politics that is fundamentally opposed to the ethic of social justice, to equality of station, income, and achievement, or to the attempt to bring major institutions of society (such as schools and universities) under government control.
The conservative outlook, says Scruton, is neither outmoded nor irrational. On the contrary, it is the most reasonable of political alternatives. The evils of socialism, he maintains, lie precisely where its supporters find its strengths, and the conditions for the credibility of socialism have long since disappeared. Neither socialism nor liberalism can come to terms with the real complexity of human society, and both appear plausible only because they direct attention away from what is actual, toward what is merely ideal. (show less)
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An attempt to define conservatism as a legitimate philosophical position. Whether the attempt was successful or not, I'm hesitant to say, since conservatism seems to me to chiefly be a habit of mind, but I'm not adverse to Scruton's purpose; rather it seems timely as American conservatives regroup after the 2008 national elections.
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I have always regarded myself as too conservative to be a liberal (in classical liberal sense). Though I am all for limited government, individual rights, rule of law and free market, but....
So, I am so happy to find this book on Conservatism.It is time for me , a self-proclaimed conservative to explore Conservatism.
Having read this fantastic book (though i must admit this is not a book that is easy to digest), I am convinced that conservatism is one the most misunderstood concept... (show more)
I have always regarded myself as too conservative to be a liberal (in classical liberal sense). Though I am all for limited government, individual rights, rule of law and free market, but....
So, I am so happy to find this book on Conservatism.It is time for me , a self-proclaimed conservative to explore Conservatism.
Having read this fantastic book (though i must admit this is not a book that is easy to digest), I am convinced that conservatism is one the most misunderstood concept or movement in modern political world.
Two things I discovered and concluded from reading this book by Roger Scruton: (1) politically, I am more conservative than I was willing to admit; & (2) conservatism is such a pragmatic, effective and reliable political concept or movement that will continue to flourish despite always being
overshadowed by liberalism and socialism. (show less)Already read
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