Conservatism questions

[The Andy-Man]

Modern Day conservatism (like nearly every other political ideology) has nothing to do with its real core. Just like Stalin wasn't a red in the true sense, Thatcher wasn't Conservative in the true sense - she was rather radical in many ways.



Conservatism SHOULD be about pragmastism and cynism. Thr greatest Prime Minister of Britain had much of the former, hense being the only world leader to my knowladge who is actualyl worth respecting (Disraeli)

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by elijah
Still what do people think about conservatism being based fundamentally on pragmatism?

I disagree. Conservatism is a state of mind which can be more or less extreme, and that comes from an individual's subjectivity (the appreciation of the past and of the future). Conservatism can have a pragmatic manifestation, just like progressism has. But Conservatism can have an extremist manifestation, where it actively tries to restore the fabled golden age. Bonald comes to mind. Our own Albert Speer comes to mind.

[Sava]

Still what do people think about conservatism being based fundamentally on pragmatism?

While I can't comment on conservatism... I can say that most conservatives I have known base their beliefs on ideologies... not pragamatism or empirical evidence.

[The Andy-Man]

the problem with conservatism is it isn't really a political ideology, as spiffor says, its a frame of mind that can be expressed in many different ways.

[Imran Siddiqui]

The Burke idea is not strictly the domain of conservatism.

It is his fault that other ideologies have taken the best parts of modern conservatism?

[Whaleboy]

Guilty as charged!! Still, I have most of the problem with neo-conservatism, and what that means to me as cultural absolutism/imperialism. I dont know, perhaps you have a better definition?

[Sava]

neo-conservatism is imperialism...

[BeBMan]

Originally posted by elijah
Still what do people think about conservatism being based fundamentally on pragmatism?

Are you refering to pragmatism or to idealism vs. realism? Conservatives can be both idealists and realists.

And neo conservativism can´t be per se imperialism IMO. Imperialism is about the expansion of rule.

[Whaleboy]

BeBro: Realism in that respect then.

Would you say then that neo conservatism is the expansion of its dogma?

[Sava]

And neo conservativism can´t be per se imperialism IMO. Imperialism is about the expansion of rule.

And how is neo-conservatism NOT about expanding its rule?

[Whaleboy]

Sava: I think he means that imperialism is more direct... active empire building, not doing it via the backdoor.

[BeBMan]

Originally posted by Sava
And how is neo-conservatism NOT about expanding its rule?

:sigh: I´m not really in the mood for such a discussion. As Elijah said, NC is not imperialistic in the classical sense, it is not about having colonies for cheap labour, resources and stuff

[cinch]

:sigh: I´m not really in the mood for such a discussion. As Elijah said, NC is not imperialistic in the classical sense, it is not about having colonies for cheap labour, resources and stuff

Cheap labour: Iraqi populace looking for jobs in the new economy.

Resources: Should be obvious.

Hmmm... this neo-conservatism is looking more and more like imperialism by the second...

[BeBMan]

I knew somebody would come up with this, but I still disagree, Imperialism is not the right term. But then I´m really not the right person for defending the neo-cons....

[Kuciwalker]

Neo-conservativism is about the spread of certain ideals and systems of government. It is not about annexing territory. When Britain held Afghanistan, it was a direct PART of the British Empire. When we got rid of the Taliban, we then established another government, rather than annex it as a territory (like Puerto Rico et al).