The Irrational Foundations of Conservatism: Edmund Burke
Edmund Burke is widely considered the founder of (modern) conservatism. His best known work is an analysis of French Revolution. His answer was reason had lead men astray and they needed to follow the course of their ancestors and eschew reason.
“He argued extensively for an appeal to authority based on collective reasoning and organic reform while rejecting the use of abstract principles and individual reason in establishing mass rule.”
There is no such thing as collective reasoning. Conservatism is an attack on reason, the Enlightenment, the scientific revolution, Locke and the founding principles of the United States. It is time that conservatives admit that their whole philosophy is based on irrationalism.
“He argued extensively for an appeal to authority based on collective reasoning and organic reform while rejecting the use of abstract principles and individual reason in establishing mass rule.”
There is no such thing as collective reasoning. Conservatism is an attack on reason, the Enlightenment, the scientific revolution, Locke and the founding principles of the United States. It is time that conservatives admit that their whole philosophy is based on irrationalism.
I think it's a noble goal, but in today's climate of low-information voters, I fear that that would backfire and instead push us wholesale into socialism. Who knows, maybe that would spur change, but I suspect that it would involve a bloody civil war first.
I'm sure your enumeration would only whet my appetite for such a worth while effort. Your choice then becomes Jindahl in 2020 or 2024 or who...Chelsea? Carly F. is perfect she could probably suck in all the progressives too they are that dumb. Tethered what is used to entice the big cats? All you HP graduates get that dish which is best served cold...and the greater purpose for once is served. Minor purpose is the left will never trust the RINOs again. "Rebuke them all let Galt sort them out!"
If you're looking for perfection, you're going to have to run yourself for office. No one is going to perfectly fit your mold beyond yourself. So the question is are you willing to throw your ring in the hat, or just gripe about the problems in everyone else. The third choice is to vote for an imperfect candidate. I find griping to be a complete waste of everyone's time and I have neither the demeanor nor the desire to run for office, leaving me with only one option: to vote for a less-than-perfect candidate.
Are there fundamental flaws in the philosophies of Burke and Hume? Absolutely. But to label others as their adherents without their permission and without any proof is unacceptable.
I think your argument is a fallacy of inclusion. I wouldn't call every conservative a Humist or Burkist as you seem to imply. And I would seriously challenge the notion that conservatism started with those two. They presented their own views on the matter, but they certainly don't predate either Kant or St. Thomas Aquinas, who offer alternative views on the matter (not that I identify with either of them either).
In my opinion, the only difference between an Objectivist and a true Conservative is a belief in God and all that that entails policy-wise. A Conservative is absolutely for personal freedom and liberty. A Conservative absolutely is for the protection against infringement on personal freedom and liberty from both other individuals or government. A Conservative is absolutely for limits on government size and taxation. The main points of contention between a Conservative and an Objectivist stem from the philosophical difference over the existence of an afterlife and what that entails. The Tea Party are absolutely Conservative. The Republican Party (with whom I think you are confusing Conservatives) has very few actual Conservatives in its midst.
Jan
OK. OK. It is not as intellectual a response as the one you make, but I do enjoy watching their expressions.
Jan
We currently lack examples of Liberal that is not Socialist and Conservative now means everyone-who-is-not-Liberal. I agree with much of what you say, above, but I do not agree that everyone who is termed Conservative is derived from the same philosophical foundation. It seems to me that there is some convergent evolution going on: wallabies and rabbits.
Jan
Jan
Jan
The trick with coffee is to use dark roast French or Italian levels which removes much of the caffeine and increases the flavor without turning into a Why Bother Double Zero. Milk or Cream is good for the bones.
Yes, I observed long ago that I was very patient with things ( could sit for hours to repair, put together, etc. objects) but terribly impatient with people. Now I'm just impatient with everything and everyone ! :) Maybe that is just what Life does to a person. Although I am trying to improve; no sugar and no caffeine help in that endeavor but I am not sure it's worth it !
But then, guess what ? I turned into my dad ! :0 But my hubby's a retired Marine so probably knows multiple ways to silence me permanently without leaving a trace, so I figure its best not to test it too strenuously.
when they got to their Aha Moments, I felt as much tired as relieved!
there was this late night with a calculus student -- more coffee
than was humanly possible! -- j
.
:)
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